Douglas Lee Laughlin was born on January 7, 1969 in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Edward L. and Mary F. (Feld) Laughlin. Doug entered into eternal rest on Monday, December 27, 2010 at his home in Des Moines, Iowa.

Doug's early years were spent on the family farm in Emerson. During his high school career at Nishna Valley he was active in various school activities including football, wrestling, track, concert and jazz band. In January of 1987 Doug played his trumpet in the Cotton Bowl Parade as a member of the Southwest Iowa Honor Band. He really knew how to make his trumpet sing! He graduated with the Class of 1987. He continued his education at Iowa Western Community College where he was a basketball cheerleader for one year. He received his Associate of Arts Degree in Electronics in 1990. Doug then attended Southwest Community College and obtained a second Associate of Arts Degree in 1994.

Doug moved to Des Moines in the summer of 1996 when he took a job for Bike World. He later worked for Per Mar Security Systems and also at Electrical Power Plant. In 2004 he moved to Pella and lived with his Uncle Leo and Aunt Carol Laughlin. In 2007 he moved to Ankeny and in 2009 he returned to Des Moines. Doug continued to work various odd jobs, but was forced into an early retirement due to his epilepsy.

On December 16, 1999 Doug was blessed with the birth of a son, Damian William Laughlin. On September 14, 2002 Doug was united in marriage to Jessica Stafford at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Imogene. The family made their home in Des Moines. They later divorced in 2004.

Doug was a proud father. He enjoyed spending time with Damian and watching him grow and mature. He also loved doing meticulous things with his hands. He especially liked making things with wood and building models. He was very gifted and was known locally for his artistic wood projects.

He was proceeded in death by his grandfathers Ernest Feld and Matthew J. Laughlin, parents Edward and Mary Laughlin, uncles John Laughlin in infancy, Louis Feld, and Earnie Zierke, aunts Mary Ellen Feld in infancy and Blanche Laughlin, and a cousin Kristi Zierke; cousin by marriage Lisa Zierke.

Those left to honor his memory include his son Damian William Laughlin; brothers Matt Laughlin and wife Gay and Ryan Laughlin and wife Carrie; nephews Grady and Jack Laughlin; niece Maisie Laughlin; grandmothers Margaret Feld and Helen Laughlin; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of friends.