David Warren Laughery

David Warren Laughery (Gang), 95, of Nederland, Texas passed away May 4, 2020. He was born in Titusville, Pennsylvania on November 9, 1924 to the late Andrew Laughery and Edith Burkholder Laughery. He served his country proudly in both WWII and the Korean Conflict. David was a pipefitter, planner, and supervisor for Texaco for 35 years.
Those left to Cherish Gang’s memory are his daughters, Tricia Roberson (Ronny) of Zavalla, formerly Nederland, and Sharon Spoonmore (Keith) of Nederland; his grandchildren, Terri Lengefeld (John), Chris Foust, Ronna Roberson (Steve) and Darren Foust (Tara); his great-grandchildren, Reese Lengefeld, Jack Lengefeld and Lucas Copeland; sister Bertha Whelply of Austin and sisters-in-law Betty McCuistion and Joyce Jackson of College Station, and many wonderful nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Margie; grandson Tommy Spoonmore; brothers, Donald and Andy Laughery and sisters Madeline Kirby (Chuck) and Lorraine Simon. Gang (David) as most people called him loved life and showed it until he joined Margie and so many other much-loved family and friends in heaven.
For over 35 years his home was Nederland. During this time he was a Sunday School teacher at the First United Methodist Church, Troop 53 boy scout and Explorer leader, Red Cross Volunteer and active participant in community affairs.
After retiring, he and Margie moved to Zavalla on Lake Sam Rayburn and quickly became active with Shady Chapel Methodist Church where he met and loved the people.
His love for Scouting, Red Cross and people prompted he and Margie to open up their home and land to many Red Cross Water Safety Clinics that continued for 15 years. There were as many as 100 in attendance. Canoeing, water safety and sailing were taught by wonderful Red Cross Volunteers. He helped plan and carry out all these clinics.
Always wanting to give and create, he began woodworking. Making yard ornaments, birdhouses, etc. Some were kept, but most given away. Next, he began making cedar walking sticks to give away to people who had touched him throughout his life. He has given away over 100. This continued until he left us.
Through all the years, he and Margie enjoyed visiting all 50 states and several foreign countries.
At 95, he was prepared to leave, but loved life on earth and would have been more than happy to stay longer. Whatever God decided was okay with him. He lived a blessed life and blessed others along the way. A gathering of family and friends will be held at Melancon’s Funeral Home in Nederland on Thursday, May 7, 2020 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a graveside service being held at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches at 2:00 p.m.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Melancon’s Funeral Home in Nederland on Thursday, May 7, 2020 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a graveside service being held at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches at 2:00 p.m.
Because of the current virus epidemic, it is understandable if you feel it is unsafe to attend. Melancon’s; however, is following guidelines and doing everything possible to provide all safety precautions.
For those who still feel uncomfortable, the family is planning to hold a memorial when his headstone arrives to celebrate his life.