Lester Leo McLaughlin

Lester L. McLaughlin of Ivydale, WV passed away on 2-16-2025. He was born - again Christian and is at rest, awaiting the return of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He was the oldest of twelve children born to the late Donald L. and Wanda (Young) McLaughlin. Three of his brothers predeceased him. His 17-year-old kitty, Missy died on 2- 2- 2025.

Lester is survived by his wife of 48 years, Priscilla Matheney McLaughlin, his daughter, Leslie Ann of Blue Creek, WV, his daughter Paige and her husband Todd Strickland and their daughter Poppy of Clendenin, WV and his son Jake and his wife Amanda Schoolcraft McLaughlin and their two sons, Levi and Zeke.

Lester graduated from Clay County High School and attended Glenville State College for 2 years before he was drafted into the US Army. He served 13 months in Vietnam. He was with the First Infantry Division, the famous BIG RED ONE, and he drove an APC. He was awarded the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device 60, the Combat Infantry Badge of which he was especially proud, and three Purple Hearts. He retired from Elkem Metals, Alloy, WV, with 33 years’ employment. Lester was a 25 year member of the Vietnam Veterans Group in Charleston, WV and in passing, leaves behind a fine group of fellow soldiers and friends. He had great respect for them. Please keep our hero’s in your prayers.

Service for Lester will be held in the spring.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com

Wilson Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the McLaughlin family

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