Winston Means Laughlin

Winston Means Laughlin, 92, passed away July 28 at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center from congestive heart failure. He was born May 2, 1917 in Fountain, Minn., the son of Laurence and Stella Laughlin.

Winston graduated from Michigan State University with his doctorate in soil science in 1949. A stint in the Army was spent in between his college education years. He also married Dorothy F. Fuleihan in 1947 while attending school.

Winston and Dorothy came to Alaska in 1949 where Winston started working at the Experimental Station in Palmer as a research soil scientist. He retired in 1980.

Winston enjoyed gardening, reading, church treasurer and other church activities, attending the Palmer Senior Center and visiting with family.

Winston is survived by his daughter, Ellen Taylor of Palmer, sons Keith Laughlin of Issaquah, Wash., and Brian Laughlin of Palmer, brother and sister-in-law Rolief and Ruth Laughlin of Shoreline, Wash., and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

Winston was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, and son, Laurence Laughlin.

A memorial service will be held Saturday at 1 p.m., at the United Protestant Church in Palmer. A graveside service is at 3:30 p.m., at the Palmer Pioneer Cemetery, across from the north end of the Palmer Airport’s main runway. In lieu of flowers, Winston would love donations to the United Protestant Church or the Palmer Senior Center in Palmer.

Arrangements are with Kehl’s Palmer Mortuary in Palmer.