Harrison County Political Leader, Business Owner and Veteran Richard Lyle Laughlin Passes at 88
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on September 12, 2019
Richard Lyle “R.L.” Laughlin Sr., 88, of Shinnston passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2019, surrounded by family at United Hospital Center. He was born May 12, 1931, at Owings, West Virginia, a son of Harry Laughlin and Irene Manley Laughlin.
He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly (Joseph) Belcastro of Shinnston; son, Rick Laughlin of Bridgeport, WV; daughter, Betty Ann (Dave) Harris of Shinnston, WV; Daughter, Suzy (Brandon) Johnson of Washington, PA; granddaughter, Julie Joyce and her companion, Michael Mainella of Fairmont WV; granddaughter, Nikie (Andrew) Kisamore of Shinnston, WV; grandson, Drew Joyce and his companion, Nikki 
McGee of Lumberport, WV; grandson, David Ray (Brianna) Harris of Nutter Fort, WV; granddaughter, Ricka (Jason) Underwood of Bridgeport, WV; great-grandchildren, Nicholas Davisson, Brody Whitehair, Kadee Kisamore, Ethan Kisamore, Kaylee Joyce, Luke Joyce, Emilia Underwood and Chaylee Underwood.
McGee of Lumberport, WV; grandson, David Ray (Brianna) Harris of Nutter Fort, WV; granddaughter, Ricka (Jason) Underwood of Bridgeport, WV; great-grandchildren, Nicholas Davisson, Brody Whitehair, Kadee Kisamore, Ethan Kisamore, Kaylee Joyce, Luke Joyce, Emilia Underwood and Chaylee Underwood.
R.L. was preceded in death by his two siblings, Norma Bilotta and Helen Book.
He was a member of 13th Air Transport Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, California 1949-1953, American Legion Post 31, St. Johns Lodge No. 24, AF & AM, Nemesis Shriners.
R.L. started his career at Chenoweth Lincoln-Mercury until 1976 before owning and operating his own business, Dick’s Auto Sales, in Shinnston from 1976-1988. He then worked for the WV ABCC before finishing his career and retiring from Chenoweth Ford.
He spent many years caring for his farms and always enjoyed being outside tending to his cattle and horses. His love of politics did not go unnoticed to those he met. R.L. served as the Harrison County Republican Party Chairman in the 1980s where he was an avid supporter and dear friend to Arch Moore.
R.L. cherished his time spent at the Shinnston American Legion and Casey’s Restaurant, where he enjoyed sharing stories and visiting with friends, especially his dear friend, Jimmy Scudere. His memory surpassed most 88-year-olds and those stories and laughter will be truly missed.
Friends and family will be received at the Harmer Funeral Home, 300 Pike Street, Shinnston, WV, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 11, 2019. A funeral service will be at Harmer Funeral Home 11 a.m. Thursday, September 12, 2019, with Pastor Kevin Nuzum officiating. Interment will follow at Enterprise IOOF Cemetery.
Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.harmerfuneralhome.com.
