Craig L. McLaughlin

Craig Laird McLaughlin, 69, of St. David and formerly of Lewistown, passed away at 8:34 pm Saturday November 25, 2023 at the Loft in Canton, IL.

He was born October 8, 1954 at Pittsfield, the son of John and Patricia (McIntire) McLaughlin. He married Paula Chamberlain in 1979. Survivors include his wife Paula of 44 years, two sons, John Paul McLaughlin, and Joey (Desire) McLaughlin, three granddaughters, Kalie, Joley, and Taylen McLaughlin,  one grandson, Deagen McLaughlin, and a special friend and loving companion of his late father, Stella Zillic. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Craig grew up on the family farm near Fishhook. He graduated in 1972 from Griggsville High School, and from Spoon River College in 1974. He then attended WIU for 2 years. He farmed with his dad and granddad, and was a member of the Pike County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. He was a member of the Pike County Pork Producers and also sold Crows seed corn for 25 years. He worked part time for the Illinois Farm Bureau for several years and had also worked for DOT Foods. He ran a cattle farm at Wilder Farms (formerly Norris Farms). He spent many years selling and repairing tires for different companies before retiring from Canton Farm King where he managed the tire shop. After retiring from Farm King he went to work for his son J.P. at Illinois Technical Firearms Training. His sons used to laugh that they needed to have an employee meeting since Craig worked for J.P. and Paula worked at the school for Joey. Working through the years on the family farm and working for and with J.P. with firearms were the highlights of his life. He loved his grandkids and loved showing them how to shoot the guns. He always looked forward to deer season and the family time with all. He was a tireless worker.

Cremation will be accorded and a visitation will be held Wednesday November 29, 2023 from 5-7 pm at Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown. A memorial service will be held Thursday November 30, 2023 at 12 Noon at the Detroit Christian Church in Detroit, IL where a visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Interment of ashes will be in Hinman Cemetery at Pike County. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hinman Cemetery.