Joseph McLaughlin

Joseph David McLaughlin, 73, of Dover, passed away in Hennis Care Center at Bolivar Sunday morning, February 23, 2014 following a short period of declining health.

Born in Canton on September 24, 1940, he was the son of the late Wilbur and Elizabeth (Kutka) McLaughlin.

After completing his high school education in 1958 at Timken High School, Joe continued his formal education receiving a BA and MA in English.

His professional career spanned 15 years with the Timken Company and 25 years with Stark State College and where he retired.

On December 2, 1961, he married his lifelong companion and friend, the former Anna Darlene Franz.

Joe had a great passion for golf. At one time, he had his PGA card. He played many rounds of golf at Five Waters Golf Course. He also was a gifted writer and founded the Tuscarawas Writers’ Guild, where he enjoyed teaching introductory writing. He was also the founder of Pale Horse Press where he self-published books including his best seller, Zen in the Art of Golf. Joe also wrote for racing publications.

Joe will be deeply missed by his wife, Darlene; his daughter, Mary (Wayne) Burns of New Philadelphia; his sons, Michael (Terri) McLaughlin of Wierton, WV, David (Joan) McLaughlin of New Philadelphia and Stephen (companion, Diana Denny) McLaughlin of New Philadelphia; grandchildren, Hunter, Haley, Blake and Michael; his sister, Patricia; his brother-in-law, Pete (Beth) Franz of Dover; and his sister-in-law, Hattie (Jim) Purses of Canton.

No public visitation or services will be held. Cremation will be conducted through Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory. Private inurnment at Dover Burial Park will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Tuscarawas County Writers’ Guild, C/O Tuscarawas County Center for the Arts, 461 Robinson Dr SE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.