Dan McLaughlin, 56, St. Joseph, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 15, 2014.
Dan was born on April 4, 1957, in South Boston, Va. He graduated summa cum laude from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music education. He taught music in public schools for two years, and later earned a master’s degree in music theory from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo.
Dan served as Minister of Music and Missions at McCarthy Baptist Church in St. Joseph. He enjoyed singing with and occasionally directing the Missouri Music Men, a men’s choir composed of music ministers from around the state. He served as a Regional Worship Consultant for the Missouri Baptist Convention and the Music Development Director for the St. Joseph Baptist Association. In 2005, he received the Geneva Casebolt Award for Excellence in Music Ministry. Dan led frequent mission trips overseas.
Dan married Martha Lively on June 4, 1983. They served as missionaries in Latin America from 1988-1998.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Birdena (Barnes) McLaughlin.
Dan is survived by his wife Martha, of the home; two sons, Caleb McLaughlin of Nashville, Tenn; and Lucas McLaughlin, St. Joseph; father, Glen McLaughlin, Winchester, Va.; three siblings, April Kierstead, Nampa, Idaho; Paul McLaughlin, Essex Junction, Vt.; and Penny Moran, Reston, Va.; and numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws.
The family will receive friends 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, at Heaton-Bowman Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel.
Graveside services and interment will be at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, St. Joseph.
Memorials are suggested to the International Mission Board.
The family requests that attendees come to the service fragrance free.