Thomas "Tom" McLaughlin

Thomas “Tom” McLaughlin, 69, of Washington, IL, was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, January 11, 2021.  Tom was born in Peoria, IL, on September 12, 1951, to parents Lloyd and Colene (Fields) McLaughlin who have both preceded him in death.

Tom is survived by his wife Linda “Lin” (Larsh) McLaughlin. Tom and Lin were married in their home in West Peoria on June 19, 2004. Also surviving are his two children Amos (Renee) McLaughlin and their four children Aiden, Justus, Lincoln, and Adelle of Bloomington and Lana Duran and her son Judah also of Bloomington, along with Linda's four children; son Kevin Kahoun (Rendi) and their five children; Eric, William, Samuel, John and Catherine of Arkansas; son Christian Fonteneau of Colorado; daughter Heather Ebbert of Washington; son Nicholas Green and fiancé Alexa Lowe of Washington and daughter Mileena McLaughlin at home. Tom was also survived by his five siblings: Alan (Wilma) McLaughlin of Bloomington, Suzi (Robert) Wright of Springfield, Danny (Katie) McLaughlin of Petersburg, Steve and (Wanda) McLaughlin of Greenview, and Kate (Bill) Ott of Lincoln, along with Brother and Sister-in-Law Steve and Lauri Larsh of Washington.

Tom’s priorities were God, Family, Country. His relationship with God spanned his entire life. As a child, he attended Mason City Christian Church where he would frequently sing duets with his younger brother Danny. Music continued to be a big part of his whole life. He was active in street ministry through the years and was never shy about sharing his faith in God.

At age 17, Tom enlisted in the United States Marine Corps with his father's permission. He remained fiercely patriotic his entire life and would still consider it a privilege to defend America and the Constitution. After Tom got out of the military, he followed his father’s lead and began a career in the construction industry. He owned several businesses in his life including a gutter company with his brothers, hardware stores in Mason City and Greenview IL and in later years he opened MPM HomeCrafters with his wife Lin and specialized in custom homes and remodels.

Tom’s love of music took many directions. He played the blues harp (harmonica) in a number of bands through the years as a hobby. He helped organize the first Christian music fests in Illinois featuring groups like Petra. He produced music for other artists through the Cat Hair Media and Exalt Music Group companies that he started with the help of his wife Lin. They also produced a music show “Note Worthy” and a talk show “Just Between Us” both with a Christian format.

Tom had many other talents. He was an accomplished painter using oils and acrylics. He loved to cook and could often be found in the kitchen trying a new recipe. Tom loved the country life, from his childhood on the farm to various homes with room to plant, raise horses and care for many other animals. He always had a home project in the works but also enjoyed just sitting on the porch reading and watching his little Millie playing. Along with being an avid reader, Tom also wrote several short stories based on escapades from his childhood in Mason City.

Tom was generous with his time, his energy and his resources. When someone was in need and he could help, he never hesitated. He will be dearly missed by anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him and the privilege of being in his life.

Services to celebrate his life will be held for all on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. The first hour will be a time of visitation with the family and friends followed by a service of music and eulogies both at Bay View Baptist Church at 22648 Grosenbach Road in Washington, IL. Donations may be made on Tom's behalf, in lieu of flowers, to Illinois Central Christian School also at 22648 Grosenbach Road in Washington, IL. I invite everyone to share a memory or a picture of Tom with us on this website.

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