McLaughlin Mortuary Obituaries

McLaughlin Mortuary: A Legacy of Compassionate Care in Fort Walton Beach

Located at 17 Chestnut Ave SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32548, McLaughlin Mortuary has been a pillar of strength and support for the local community, providing exceptional funeral services with dignity and respect. For generations, this esteemed funeral home has been dedicated to helping families navigate the most difficult times of their lives, offering a haven of comfort and guidance during periods of grief.

A Rich History of Service

Established with a commitment to excellence, McLaughlin Mortuary has built a reputation on trust, integrity, and compassion. The funeral home's history is woven into the fabric of Fort Walton Beach, with roots dating back to [insert year]. Over the years, the mortuary has remained family-owned and operated, ensuring that every aspect of their service is infused with a personal touch and a deep understanding of the community's needs.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Bernice D Spier - May 17, 1930 - July 13, 2022

Departed: 07/13/2022 (Fort Walton Beach)

Obituary Preview: Bernice Spier, age 92, passed away on July 13, 2022. Your prayers and condolences are appreciated and comforting to her family at this time.

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Bernard Louis Sweka - January 15, 1955 - July 11, 2022

Departed: 07/11/2022 (Fort Walton Beach)

Obituary Preview: Bernard Louis Sweka, CMSgt, USAF, RET., Age 67 passed away at his home on Monday, July 11, 2022, with loving family near.  Bernard was born on January 15, 1955 in Dubois, Pennsylvania, to Henry F and Ethel (Polifko) Sweka.  He graduated from Dubois Area Schools class of 1972.  Bernard enlisted in the United States Air Force in September 1973 and retired in February 2004 after honorably serving for 30 years. He was a Veteran of the Gulf War receiving a Purple Heart after the Khobar Towers Bombing in June 25, 1996.

He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Ethel, Sister Laverne Gilbert and the love of his Life of 36 years Linda (Pylene) Curtis.  He is survived by Linda’s daughter Paetai Miller and Husband Tracy, Paitoon Waites and husband Jerome and grandchildren Jacob and Jessica Waites. A brother Gabriel and Wife Karen and numerous nephews and nieces.

The family will receive friends at a visitation on Friday, July 15th, 2022 from 3-5 p.m. at McLaughlin Mortuary.

Following the visitation service Bernard will join his Pennsylvania family for services and cremation.  Services in Pennsylvania are under the direction of Leo Nedza Funeral Home Sykesville, Pa.

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Harry Thompson - November 28, 1941 - July 04, 2022

Departed: 07/04/2022 (Fort Walton Beach)

Obituary Preview: Harry Thompson, age 80, passed away on July 4, 2022. Your prayers and condolences are appreciated and comforting to his family.

Mr. Thompson is survived by his sisters, Judith Finucan and Sandra Ragsdale, and daughter, Turner Burgin.

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Mattie Lois Balcom - July 21, 1941 - July 03, 2022

Departed: 07/03/2022 (Fort Walton Beach)

Obituary Preview: Mattie Lois Balcom, age 80, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida passed away on July 3, 2022.  She was born in Troy, Alabama in 1941.  A long-time resident of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, she lived her life as testament to her faith in the Lord.  She was known for being kind, friendly, and of service to others.  She wanted to live her life so that the work she did while on earth would speak for her legacy.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Limmie Boyd, and 4 brothers Frank, Jimmy, Thamen, and Eddie; 2 sisters Ada Pearl, and Eileen; and long-time companion, Mr. Johnny Evans.  She is survived by Daughter Chrystal Simmons; 3 Grand Children, JaQuez Simmons, Nyjah Thomas, and Derrick Thomas. Nephews Tim Boyd and Kenny Boyd, and other nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday July 8th 2022, from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at McLaughlin Mortuary, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.  Service will begin at 2:00pm followed by a Committal Service at Beal Memorial Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jaquez, Derrick, RJ, Tim, Reno, and Joe.

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James Christopher Miller - April 13, 1957 - July 03, 2022

Departed: 07/03/2022 (Fort Walton Beach)

Obituary Preview: James Christopher Miller went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 3, 2022. Chris was a man who had a passion for painting, talk radio, music and Alabama football. Chris was never alone as he loved dogs and always had his best girl She-She with him. He enjoyed crafting model cars and airplanes in his spare time. He is the loving and devoted father of Nichole “Colie”, Marquette “Eva M.”, and Matthew “Q” whom he shared with Adele Miller, his life-long best friend. Chris loved calling his family and friends every Sunday so it was only fitting for God to call him home on his favorite day.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents Horace M. Miller and Eva P. Miller. He is survived by his children Mary Nichole (Lydell) Moreland, Eva Marquette (Luis) Garcia and Matthew Quirt Evans Miller; his extremely loved dog She-She Miller; his four grandchildren Luis Argelis Garcia II, Janea Amiyah Moreland, Julianna Marquette Garcia, and Antonio Christopher Garcia; his stepmother Leslie C. Miller; sister Suzan Miller Spence; brothers Christian Phillip Rieser and Carlton William (Mary) Miller; his nieces and nephews Halley Suzanne Spence, Beecher Carlton Spence, Charlton Philip Spence, Garrett James Miller, Owen McCoole Miller, and Ruby Samantha Rieser; his great-nephews Luke Edward Miller and Josiah David Lee Porter; and His best bud Stephen Robert Hagen.

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Jeanetta Marie Ditto Loyall - July 13, 1927 - June 29, 2022

Departed: 06/29/2022 (Fort Walton Beach)

Obituary Preview: Our dear aunt passed away just days before her 95th birthday. She lived a life of joy, strength, and curiosity. Her humor and genuine interest in people will be missed by her family and many friends from Sandestin, the Community Church, her bridge club and Brookdale Destin.

She grew up on a 500 acre farm in Vine Grove, Kentucky. Jeanetta was the oldest of 4 sisters, born to Russell Henry Ditto and Frances Rose Myrtle Craycroft Ditto. Upon graduating high school, she enlisted in the World War II Army Cadet Nursing Corps. The war ended as she started her training at the Nazareth School of Nursing in Louisville, Ky. In 1948, having earned her RN degree, Jeanetta was assigned to the Kennedy VA Hospital, Memphis, TN.

There she met the love of her life, John W. Loyall. He was a patient, having suffered a spinal cord injury in the battle of Iwo Jima. They married in 1949, and though John was in a wheelchair, it didn’t slow them down. Using their positive attitude and independent spirit, they traveled extensively, settling in Destin, FL in 1977. They shared almost 50 years of adventures, before John passed in 2000.

Jeanetta continued to fill her life with family, friends and travel, including cruising Canada and the Mediterranean. She volunteered at the Sacred Heart Hospital ER, various charities and as an ambassador at Brookdale.

Jeanetta was preceded in death by her 3 sisters, Marion Russell Osborne, Mary Ellen Cox and Charlotte Virginia Harbach. She was also preceded in death by a nephew, John Woody Cox.

She is survived by a brother-in-law, David Vincent Harbach, 10 nieces and nephews, 21 great nieces and nephews, and 7 great-great nieces and nephews.

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Mary Jo and Marvin Yeager - Unknown - June 26, 2022

Departed: 06/26/2022 (Fort Walton Beach)

Obituary Preview: Mary Jo Yeager was a Wife, Mother, Nana, and “Mama Jo” to many. She was born on the 4th of August 1931 in Douglas, GA, and she passed away peacefully at home on the 26th of June 2022 at the age of 90.

Marvin A. Yeager was a Husband, Father, and Papa. He was born on the 13th of February 1926 in Hazelton, PA, and he passed 9 days after Jo peacefully at home on the 5th of July 2022 at the age of 96.

Marvin grew up in Hazelton and Nuangola PA and attended Penn State University; then joined the Air Force. Jo grew up in Douglas, GA and attended Valdosta State University. Marv and Jo met while she was in college at Valdosta and he was stationed at Moody AFB, GA. Their life adventure began, traveling around the world with the Air Force. She taught at schools around the world while stationed with the Air Force; both finally retiring and settling in Fort Walton Beach, FL.

Jo taught Speech, Drama, Debate, and theatre at Choctawhatchee High School. She touched the lives of many of her students, and was fondly known as “Mama Jo”. They were also involved with the Shalimar Methodist Church. For the past 50 + years they would travel and spend their time between Fort Walton Beach, FL and summers in Nuangola, PA.

Marv was involved with his hobby of Horticulture through Okaloosa Walton Vocational College.  He was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Fort Walton Beach and Yearly Pancake Day (This is where he got his nickname “Mr. Pancake”). Amongst close friends in the community he was known as “Mr. Marvelous". He also served as President of the Choctawhatchee High School “Style Marchers” Band Association for his son’s Junior and Senior years of High School.

Marvin and Mary Jo are survived by their Son, Scot; Daughter-in law, Tami; Granddaughter Sydnee; and Cousins Jim and Kim Lott and Cheryl and Robby Cook; and their Children.

The family would like to Thank Home Instead and all of their Staff and Caregivers; who have watched over and cared for them over the past few years. We are extremely grateful.

Visitation and a Celebration of Life will be held at Shalimar Methodist Church in Shalimar on Monday July 11th , 2022. Visitation will be at 12pm with the Celebration of Life following at 1pm. Interment at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola will take place July 12th, 2022 at 10am with full Military Honors.

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Wayne Gordon Webb - April 08, 1946 - June 22, 2022

Departed: 06/22/2022 (Fort Walton Beach)

Obituary Preview: Wayne Gordon Webb, age 76, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, died on June 22, 2022. Wayne was born and raised in Newport News, VA and graduated from Warwick High School in 1964, where he was a member of the Key Club. After graduation he enlisted in the Army. In October 1970 he was award the Certificate of Achievement from the 4th Maintenance Battalion given at Camp Kyle, South Korea. After completing his service he returned to Virginia and graduated from Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA. In 1974 he moved to Fort Walton Beach, FL and worked as an independent contractor in computer science at Eglin Air Force Base until he retired. He is preceded in death by his parents Olivia Estelle Kemp Webb and Dalton Dillard Webb, Sr. and one brother Dalton Dillard Webb, Jr.  Wayne is survived by his sister Ruth Webb McCormick of Newport News, Virginia and her husband Eddie (Mac), two nieces Holly W. White of Newport News, VA, Karen W. Watson of Southport, NC (Dennis), and one nephew Samuel A. Webb of Williamsburg, VA.

Wayne never married but he had a special long term relationship with Betsy Burke of Miramar Beach, FL. He loved fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and watching NASCAR on TV. RIP Wayne. Happy you are no longer in pain but know you were loved and will be missed.

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Judy Crenshaw - June 21, 1944 - June 21, 2022

Departed: 06/21/2022 (Fort Walton Beach)

Obituary Preview: Judy Crenshaw age 78, of Miramar Beach passed away Thursday June 21, 2022. Please keep her friends and family in your thoughts and prayers.

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Margaret Peggy Bixby - February 06, 1938 - June 11, 2022

Departed: 06/11/2022 (Fort Walton Beach)

Obituary Preview: Margaret “Peggy” Bixby passed away June 11, 2022 at the age of 84 in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Born Margaret “Peggy” Osborn, February 6, 1938 in New Orleans La, to Homer and Pete Osborn.

She will be remembered for being a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Peggy loved playing slots and playing cards with her friends. She was a lifelong devout Catholic and member of Saint Mary Catholic Church.

She is predeceased by her husband, Richard “Dick” Bixby, her granddaughter, Stacie Freshour, and her parents.

She is survived by her children, William “Bill” Richardson, Debra Freshour, Steve Richardson, James Richardson, and John Richardson; numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 17 at 2:00PM McLaughlin Mortuary. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service.

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Mary Wong Chin - March 22, 1927 - June 07, 2022

Departed: 06/07/2022 (Fort Walton Beach)

Obituary Preview: Mary W. Chin passed away at home on June 7, 2022 at the age of 95.  She was the wife of retired Air Force SMSgt Kay W. Chin who predeceased her in 2010.

Mary was a devoted mother and wife whose first priority was always taking care of her family.  She was the glue that kept her family close to each other.  She was born in Beijing, China and when she first came to this country her philosophy was “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”  With her perseverance, she learned and merge into the American way of life.  She self-taught herself to read and write in English.  She would say the first American dish she learned to cook was spaghetti.  She traveled extensively with her husband to many countries and all over the United States.  They lived in South Carolina, California, Massachusetts, Japan and the Azores Islands before returning to and settling down in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida.  She did not believe in being idle and her hobbies included sewing, crocheting, knitting, ceramics and all kinds of arts and crafts.

Mary is survived by her daughters Jane Richards of Fort Walton Beach, and Carol Chin Forman of Billerica, Massachusetts, and her son Kenneth Chin and his wife Sau of Folsom, California.

A private Interment for the family will be held at the Barrancas National Cemetery on June 16, 2022.

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Julie R. Shirley - January 08, 1969 - June 03, 2022

Departed: 06/03/2022 (Fort Walton Beach)

Obituary Preview: Julie Rose Smith Shirley passed away on June 3, 2022, at 53 years of age. She was born on January 8, 1969, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where she lived her entire life. In 1987, Julie graduated from Fort Walton Beach High School. After high school, she attended Northwest Florida State College and the University of West Florida, receiving her degree in Criminal Justice.

Julie met the love of her life, Bob, while working at Cinco Cinema, one of her first employers. She was also employed with Gulf Power, Cox Communications, Okaloosa County School District, and Northwest Florida Ballet Academy. Julie and Bob married in 1995. They had two sons, Travis, 24, and Jason, 22. Her love and devotion for Bob, Travis, Jason, and her fur babies were unrivaled.

Julie had such a zest for life, and she was rarely without her mega-watt smile.  She was an animal ambassador, especially for those needing rescue. Her love for adventure was manifested in her devotion to travel, exercise, Disney, roller coasters, and horror movies. Julie was loved and cherished by all who knew her. She will be missed more than words can express.

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Barbara Rodgers-Hendricks - February 12, 1934 - May 27, 2022

Departed: 05/27/2022 (Fort Walton Beach)

Obituary Preview: Barbara Rodgers-Hendricks, age 88, passed away on Friday May 27, 2022. Your prayers and condolences are appreciated and comforting to her family.

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Joan Marie Murphy - November 16, 1921 - May 26, 2022

Departed: 05/26/2022 (Fort Walton Beach)

Obituary Preview: Joan Murphy passed away peacefully May 26, 2022 at the age of 100 in Miramar Beach, FL.  Born Joan Marie Steele, November 16, 1921 in Fremont NE, Joan grew up with her older brothers Paul and Don on the farm owned by their parents, Perry and Signe Steele.  After earning a teaching certificate from Midland College, Joan taught in a one-room school for a year.  She began working as an inspector for the federal government during World War II resulting in relocation to Philadelphia PA where she was introduced to her eventual husband, Harry Murphy, on a roller-skating outing.

In retirement Joan and Harry moved to Destin where they made many friends via involvement with Senior Friends, Bayou Shufflers square dance, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, South Walton Turtle Watch, and neighborhood events.  Since the death of her husband, Joan has resided at Brookdale Destin.  We are grateful for the care of the Brookdale staff.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and husband of 65 years, Harry.  She is survived by her son, Allen, of Seacrest, FL; nephew, wife, and great-nephew Robert, Gail and Ansel Steele; nieces Karen and Heidi Steele; and, great-nieces Paige Steele Burlson and Zoe Ferguson Steele.

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Anthony Martin Duby - May 25, 1945 - May 25, 2022

Departed: 05/25/2022 (Fort Walton Beach)

Obituary Preview: Anthony Martin Duby, age 77, passed away on Wednesday, May 25, in Pensacola, Florida. Your thoughts and prayers are comforting to his family during this time.

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Charlotte A. Howard - April 21, 1940 - May 24, 2022

Departed: 05/24/2022 (Fort Walton Beach)

Obituary Preview: Charlotte A. Howard, age 82, of Fort Walton Beach, FL, passed away on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. Visitation will be held at McLaughlin Mortuary on Thursday, June 2, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. The funeral service follows at 12:00 P.M. She will be laid to rest at Beal Memorial Cemetery.

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Joan M. Allen - July 21, 1940 - May 23, 2022

Departed: 05/23/2022 (Fort Walton Beach)

Obituary Preview: Joan M. Allen age 81, of Niceville, FL, passed away Monday, May 23, 2022. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.

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Linda Jerry Ulrich - November 07, 1951 - May 20, 2022

Departed: 05/20/2022 (Fort Walton Beach)

Obituary Preview: Linda Jerry Ulrich, age 70 of Destin, passed away on May 20, 2022. Your prayers and condolences are appreciated and comforting to her family.

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Donald Lee King, Jr. - February 18, 1972 - May 18, 2022

Departed: 05/18/2022 (Fort Walton Beach)

Obituary Preview: Donald Lee King, Jr., age 50, of Fort Walton Beach, FL, passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2022.  Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

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Lidia Lauzurica - March 15, 1943 - May 12, 2022

Departed: 05/12/2022 (Fort Walton Beach)

Obituary Preview: Lidia Lauzurica, age 79, passed away on May 12, 2022. Your prayers and condolences are appreciated and comforting to her family.

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Roberta Lee Anderson - January 27, 1944 - May 09, 2022

Departed: 05/09/2022 (Fort Walton Beach)

Obituary Preview: Roberta Lee Anderson, age 78, of Mary Esther, Florida, passed away May 9, 2022. Your prayers and condolences are appreciated and comforting to her family.

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Patricia Benson Mitchell - July 04, 1945 - May 09, 2022

Departed: 05/09/2022 (Fort Walton Beach)

Obituary Preview: Patricia Benson Mitchell, age 76, passed away on May 9, 2022. Your prayers and condolences are appreciated and comforting to her family.

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Bobby Eugene Spencer, Jr. - June 01, 1958 - May 07, 2022

Departed: 05/07/2022 (Fort Walton Beach)

Obituary Preview: Bobby Eugene Spencer, Jr. passed away on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at Select Specialty Hospital in Pensacola, Florida from pneumonia following open heart surgery. Bobby was born at Shaw AFB, Sumpter, South Carolina on June 1, 1958 to Bobby Eugene Spencer, Sr. and the late Helen Ailene Drumm. He married Teresa Marie Young on August 7, 1983 in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Bobby earned his AA then a BS degree in Criminology from Florida State University August 1983. Shortly after he married Teresa, Bobby became a Deputy with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Department. Bobby then received his MS Degree in Public Administration from Troy State University in June 1987 and immediately began his career as a Federal Special Agent with NCIS. During his employment with the government, the Spencer’s lived in Jacksonville, Florida, Ceiba, Puerto Rico, Washington, District of Columbia, Okinawa, Japan, and finally settled in Navarre, Florida in December 1997.

Bobby was a devoted husband, father, brother and uncle. Bobby’s passions were Mustangs, computers, working on older cars, classic rock and Science Fiction movies/television shows. When Bobby was younger, he enjoyed deep sea fishing, surfing and scuba diving. Dates with his wife were centered around the water, food, movies and concerts. When Bobby worked with NCIS, his passion of running came to light and he never missed a morning run. His favorite pastime was spending time with his wife and children. Bobby made sure he was laughing about something every single day.

In addition to his father, Bobby is survived by his wife Teresa and their two children, Kyle Allen and Kayla Mariah Spencer of Pensacola, Florida, his sister, Barbie Lynn Spencer Palkowski of Fort Walton Beach and her children, David Eugene Palkowski and Melissa Erin Palkowski Ball, both of Fort Walton Beach.

The Spencer family would especially like to express their appreciation the Comfort Care Team at Select Specialty Hospital in Pensacola for their outstanding attention and compassion they gave to Bobby.

A time of visitation will be held 1 pm to 2 pm on Friday, May 13, 2022 at McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Avenue SE, Fort Walton Beach. A casual funeral service with be held in the same room immediately after visitation with Chaplin Beth Bateson. At 2:45 pm, everyone will then proceed to the Burial at Beal Memorial Cemetery, 316 Beal Parkway NW, Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

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John Anthony Baston, Jr. - July 15, 1930 - May 06, 2022

Departed: 05/06/2022 (Fort Walton Beach)

Obituary Preview: John Anthony Baston, Jr., age 91, passed away on May 6, 2022. Your prayers and condolences are appreciated and comforting to his family. Arrangements are pending and will be announced.

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John Gary Partin - December 15, 1935 - April 27, 2022

Departed: 04/27/2022 (Fort Walton Beach)

Obituary Preview:

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Personalized Funeral Services

At McLaughlin Mortuary, every funeral service is tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each family. Their experienced team takes the time to listen, understand, and honor the wishes of loved ones, creating a personalized celebration of life that truly reflects the personality and spirit of the deceased. From traditional funeral ceremonies to cremation services and memorial gatherings, McLaughlin Mortuary offers a range of options to suit every family's requirements.

A Facility Designed for Comfort

The mortuary's facility is designed to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where families can feel comfortable and supported throughout the funeral planning process. The beautifully appointed chapel, reception areas, and private visitation rooms are tastefully decorated to create an environment conducive to reflection, remembrance, and healing. Ample parking and convenient accessibility ensure that all visitors can easily attend services and pay their respects.

Caring Professionals You Can Trust

The team at McLaughlin Mortuary is comprised of dedicated professionals who are passionate about their work and committed to delivering exceptional care. Licensed funeral directors, embalmers, and support staff work together seamlessly to ensure that every detail is meticulously attended to, providing families with peace of mind during a difficult time. Their expertise and guidance help alleviate the burden of funeral planning, allowing families to focus on what matters most – celebrating the life of their loved one.

Community Involvement and Outreach

McLaughlin Mortuary is deeply rooted in the Fort Walton Beach community, actively participating in local events and supporting initiatives that benefit area residents. Through their involvement in organizations such as [insert organizations], they demonstrate a genuine commitment to giving back and making a positive impact on the lives of those around them. This dedication to community extends beyond funeral services, fostering strong relationships and building trust with the people they serve.

Grief Support and Resources

Beyond the funeral service itself, McLaughlin Mortuary recognizes that grief is a journey that requires ongoing support. They offer a range of resources and programs designed to help families cope with their loss, including bereavement counseling, support groups, and online grief resources. By providing these valuable tools, they empower families to navigate their grief with confidence, knowing that they are not alone in their journey.

A Commitment to Excellence

McLaughlin Mortuary's unwavering commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of their operation. From the initial consultation to the final farewell, their team strives for perfection in all they do. This pursuit of excellence has earned them numerous accolades and recognition within the industry, solidifying their position as one of the most respected funeral homes in Fort Walton Beach.

In conclusion, McLaughlin Mortuary stands as a beacon of hope and compassion in Fort Walton Beach, providing exceptional funeral services that honor the memories of loved ones while supporting families through times of grief. With their rich history, personalized approach, beautiful facilities, caring professionals, community involvement, grief support resources, and commitment to excellence, this esteemed funeral home remains an indispensable part of the local community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and other biographical information. It may also include details about their life, accomplishments, and surviving family members.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to inform friends, family, and community members of a person's passing, allowing them to pay their respects and offer condolences. They also provide a lasting tribute to the deceased, preserving their memory and legacy for generations to come.

Who writes an obituary?

Obituaries are typically written by family members or close friends of the deceased, although funeral homes or professional writers may also assist in the writing process.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's full name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, military service, hobbies, and surviving family members. It may also include information about memorial services, donations in lieu of flowers, and other relevant details.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication and the family's preferences. Typically, it ranges from a few sentences to several paragraphs.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many publications allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can be a meaningful way to personalize the tribute and help readers remember the deceased.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

Contact the newspaper's obituary department or website to learn about their submission guidelines and deadlines. Be prepared to provide the necessary information and payment for publication.

Can I write my own obituary?

Yes, some people choose to write their own obituary in advance, which can be a unique opportunity for self-reflection and creative expression. However, it's essential to keep in mind that the final version may need to be edited or revised by family members or others after your passing.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of a person's passing, usually including only the most basic information. An obituary is a longer, more detailed tribute that provides a more comprehensive overview of the person's life.

Can I include humor or personal anecdotes in an obituary?

Absolutely! Obituaries don't have to be somber or formal. Including humorous stories or personal anecdotes can help capture the personality and spirit of the deceased.

How do I handle sensitive or private information in an obituary?

If there are sensitive or private details about the deceased that you prefer not to share publicly, it's best to omit them from the obituary or discuss them with family members before publication.

Can I publish an obituary online?

Yes, many online platforms and websites allow you to publish an obituary, which can reach a wider audience and provide a permanent digital record of the deceased.

How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

The timeframe for publication varies depending on the publication's schedule and deadlines. Some newspapers may publish obituaries within a day or two, while others may take several days or even weeks.

Can I make changes to an obituary after it's been published?

In most cases, corrections or changes can be made if there are errors or inaccuracies in the original publication. However, this may depend on the publication's policies and procedures.

What is the cost of publishing an obituary?

The cost varies widely depending on the publication, word count, and other factors. Some newspapers charge by the line or word, while others offer package deals or flat fees.

Can I request a correction or retraction if there's an error in an obituary?

Yes, if you discover an error or inaccuracy in an obituary, contact the publication immediately to request a correction or retraction.

How do I preserve an obituary for future generations?

You can save a physical copy of the newspaper or print out an online version. You can also create a scrapbook or memory book with copies of the obituary and other mementos.

Can I use social media to share an obituary?

Yes, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter can be effective ways to share an obituary with friends and family who may not see it in traditional publications.

What is the purpose of an online guestbook or condolence page?

An online guestbook or condolence page allows friends and family to leave messages of condolence, share memories, and pay tribute to the deceased. These messages can be a source of comfort for grieving loved ones.

Can I include charitable donations or memorial funds in an obituary?

Yes, many families choose to include information about charitable donations or memorial funds in honor of their loved one. This can be a meaningful way to continue their legacy and support a worthy cause.

How do I ensure that an obituary is accurate and respectful?

Take care to verify facts and details before submitting the obituary for publication. Also, consider having multiple people review the text before publication to catch any errors or inaccuracies.

Can I write an obituary for someone who has died under difficult circumstances?

Yes, even in challenging situations, an obituary can be a powerful way to acknowledge the person's life and legacy. Be honest and respectful in your writing, but avoid sensational or gratuitous details.

What is the role of an obituary in the grieving process?

An obituary can serve as a therapeutic outlet for those grieving, allowing them to process their emotions and celebrate the life of their loved one. It can also provide closure and help them move forward in their healing journey.