Rick Mclaughlin

Russell R. "Rick" McLaughlin II In the morning hours of Friday June 24, 2016 on a perfect summer day, Rick left in a brilliant white cloud for a family reunion with his parents "Spud" and Francis McLaughlin, grandparents Walter and Nellie McLaughlin, "Houk" and Ruth Houston, and oldest son Russell R. McLaughlin III. Rick was born September 14, 1943 in Macomb, IL. He didn't stay there long though because he and his family moved 56 times before he was a junior in high school. In the days of military draft, Rick had the opportunity to see the world with the army, becoming an armor officer and tank company commander in Germany, seeing the Russian border up close and personal during the invasion of Prague. After his service to his country and a variety of jobs, he became a consumer loan officer at the 1st National Bank in Champaign. Following mergers, acquisitions, and the other mysteries of the banking world, Rick finished his banking career with PNC buying contracts from car dealerships. He wasn't finished with cars however, and moved autos to auction for various organizations. He retired formally after a number of years as a courtesy shuttle driver for O'Briens. At every holiday party, Rick was in demand as the guy who saved all the "Two left-footed" husbands because he never turned down an opportunity or invitation to dance. Rick was involved with youth athletics, co-coaching the FOP Black Panthers. He served as treasurer for the Centennial Booster Club for many years. Rick is survived by his wife Nellie "Nell", son Clinton Reynolds (Soraya) McLaughlin and their daughter Kate Elizabeth of Montgomery, IL; daughter Dawn Ellen (Tom) Laznik and their sons Gage & Tanner of Urbana, IL; daughter-in-law Sue McLaughlin and her son Yates of Normal, IL; brother Joe (Candice) McLaughlin; and sister Karen (Bill) Lischen of Macomb, IL. Immediate needs have been entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home at 701 N. Neil Street, Champaign, IL. The family intends to include as many of his personal and professional friends as possible at a memorial service before the summer is ended. In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, those who choose may make a donation in his name to the Humane Society or the Greater Champaign County AMBUCS. Please join Rick's family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.