Dr. Thomas Leroy McLaughlin, 84, of Bowie, Texas was called home to Heaven on Saturday, May 9, 2020.
Tom was born on April 11, 1936 in Collinsville, Texas to Everett T. and Ethel (Thompson) McLaughlin. He graduated with his Doctorate in Veterinarian Medicine from Texas A&M. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and Texas A&M football. He loved his family and loved the time he was able to spend with them. Tom was of the Baptist faith.
He is survived by his wife, Darlene McLaughlin of Bowie; daughter, Donna Hocevar and husband, Randy of Grand Prairie; son, Darrell McLaughlin of Dallas; grandchildren, Chase Sprinkle and wife, Danielle, Katelyn Gregory and husband, Tyler, Truett McLaughlin and Darryl Mclaughlin, great-grandchildren, Weston, Emmett, David and Nathan, sister, Juanita Murphy of Flower Mound; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other loving family and friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Ethel McLaughlin, brother Vern McLaughlin, sister, Wanda Roberts and his first wife, Sue McLaughlin,
Funeral services honoring Tom will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at Meador Funeral home of Whitesboro, officiated by Rev. Johnny Kimberlin. Interment will follow at Collinsville Cemetery in Collinsville, Texas. There will be a time of visitation held for friends and family on Thursday one hour prior to services.
Tom was one of my favorite people. Some of the best times of my life was spent with Tom hunting deer and dove in Texas, fishing for Red Snapper in the Gulf and for Halibut in Alaska which included a 2,000 mile road trip. I hadn’t seen Tom in many years, but I did think of him often and he will be missed. Tom was truly a great man. Prayers going out to Darlene, Darrell, Donna, Juanita and the rest of the family.
I’m so sorry . Such a great man .
I’m so sorry about Tom’s passing. My husband, Kim, worked with him many years ago. Kim has many stories about their trips together and trips to Red Bryan’s BBQ in Grand Prairie. My parents used Dr Tom for our horses. It was always fun to go shopping at the western store next door to the clinic in Cedar Hill. Prayers lifted for the family.
WOW! So many memories came rushing back. Wishing you and the family peace and know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. Darlene, you and Dr. Tom were my first employers at the Cedar Hill Western Store and a great example. RIP, Dr. TOM
I Loved him!! I was so SAD when he retired. I tried to make him tell me where he was moving and he just smiled that little boy smile and said no way! I haven’t seen him since he retired but I thought of him a lot!!! He did so much for me and my animals for so many years! He was more than my vet he was my friend. Live you Dr Tom!! RIP
Loved Tom he was a great person.
One of the most compassionate men I’ve ever known.
Rest In Peace Tom
Dr. Tom was an amazing man. I remember him in the 70’s when he saved a mare of ours. He was so caring and comforting but did his job. I was in my early teens and remember thinking, I hope some day I could help someone like that. What an inspiration he was. RIP Dr. Tom.
Rest In Peace Dr. Tom…..
The greatest horse veterinarian & also human being I had the pleasure of knowing for over 60 years….
A remarkable man. He will be missed.
Darlene and Nelson,
We are so sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. May the Lord hold you in this time of grieve, and may He give you strength and hope.
Grady and Sarah McElyea
We just loved that Vet!!! We went nowhere else! We sure missed him!
Best wishes to the family ❣️
Darlene and family, my heart goes out to you for your loss. Tom was always a fair and good man. Prayers for healing and comfort.
Was a great man, a great vet, and a great friend of the Cedar Hill Police Department.
Dr. Tom was a wonderful vet and friend to our family for over 48 years. He was good and taught our daughters so much when they were in FFA. My Daddy Buddy Munster thought the world of him. There’s not another vet like him. We’re sorry for your loss but he will never be forgotten. Sorry because of this virus we can not make service.
Great man. Good friend of my dads.
Darlene,
We are so sorry about Tom. Nelson and Sherry always talked about what a fine man he is. He will be missed.
“And think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched…for nothing loved is ever lost and he was loved so much.”
– His Journey’s Just Began,
by Ellen Brenneman –
Dr Tom was the first vet I can remember my dad using for our horses when I was just a kid In Grand Prairie. We went on to use him even after I moved to Mansfield. He was the best and could always figure out the more complex situations. Truly a legend. He will certainly be missed.
Dr Tom was a very great man for the short time I knew him he will be greatly missed
Tom was a very great man I wish I had meet him earlier than I did he will be greatly missed
Thank you, Dr. Tom, for all of the opportunities you gave us and all you taught us. Great man, great smile! Our condolences to all family and friends. Love to you, Darlene.
Sincerely,
Marshall & Mari Eskridge
Uncle Tommy. We will miss you not as patriarch of the family but just as a good ole guy. I was the only child in the family for years but I just know after becoming acquainted with me y’all decided to have children.
I also realize you had a difficult but prosperous life. You obtained a wonderful education, I have a great deal of respect for you and Darlene because you guys had a wonderful friendship with respect and I will never forget our discussions and am glad you were here for us many times in the last few years. God bless all of your family that in the scheme of things you are the best. Love love love you
Tommy was a friend of my dad Roger Jordan for years.Seems like I’ve known him all my life. He took care of our horses and dogs, and what other animals we would bring to him. We followed him to his Vet clinic in Cedar Hill. He was an awesome vet. My dad didn’t get to say this to Tommy he respected him so much, as did I!! My heart goes out to the family.
Tom was our Vet for many years. The times he came out at night were numerous, but he always came and if he was on another call he’d tell us what to do until he got there. We loved and admired the man and so enjoyed his stories. He will truly be missed. Our prayers are with your family.
He will be missed by so many… Prayers for the Family. He was a great Man and Vet. We all have so many wonderful memories.
My heart fell when I heard this. ? I am deeply sorry for your loss. Thoughts and many Prayers go out to all of the family. Doc Tom will truly be missed. I spent lots and lots of time at Cedar Hill Vet Clinic in my younger years. Both of my children spent time there as well. Tom put a Saddle Bronc picture of my son on the hall wall. There are so so many memories and wonderful things I could say about this man. Just not enough pages to put it all down. God Bless each of you .
Tom was the best vet in the world, and a good family friend. I have so many good memories of him treating all of my animals and me being around the clinic alot. RIP Tom, you were very special to all of us.
Dr. Tom was a great man. Rest in peace sir. My thoughts and prayers to Darlene and family.
He was our vet beginning in Grand Praire with my first family pet and till his retirement at CHVC.
Dr. Tom you were such an amazing vet. You took care of our dogs, barn cats and horses starting in 1973. Being an FFA ag girl from Duncanville, I was always full of questions and you would explain all the procedures you’d be doing on my mare. When my family moved to El Paso, we still brought our cat back to you for surgery! You were a man of integrity with a passion for life. You touched many lives. Prayers for your family. ❤