Obituary of Kenneth F. McLaughlin

Kenneth Floyd McLaughlin was born May 21, 1915 in Salina, Kansas and died September 6, 2011 in Seminole, Florida. Kenneth grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. He went to Drake University and majored in Mathematics then went on to get a Masters at Yale University, a specialist degree at University of Iowa, and Doctorate at University of Iowa in Tests and Measurements. He went on to be professor at several universities including Florida State University, the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, University of Nebraska, and University of Maryland. He worked many years at the US Office of Education in Washington, D.C. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years Beulah McLaughlin. Kenneth is survived by his two daughters, Linda McLaughlin Tyler married to Tim Tyler of Treasure Island, Florida and Karen McLaughlin Metzger married to Kerry Metzger of New Philadelphia, Ohio; four grandchildren, Robert Metzger (Steubenville, Ohio), Ryan Metzger (Beverly, Mass.), John Tyler (Bradenton, Florida) married to Jaime Richards Tyler and Maria Tyler Barnaky (Largo, Florida) married to Justin Barnaky. He was a Mason and a Shriner and Past President of the St. Petersburg Shrine Club. He was also a member of Toastmasters and long time resident of Freedom Square. He was a member of Pasadena Community Church and member of the Horns and Halos class. Ken loved his music. He played in the marching band at the University of Iowa and taught trombone. For many years he took organ lessons and attended the National Organ Conventions. He loved going to concerts and musicals. During retirement years Ken and Beulah enjoyed many years of traveling throughout the United States and Europe attending many Elder Hostels and Delta Queen Cruises. They were always eager to see new places and learn new things. He spent many hours making jewelry for friends and family. In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution may be made to Suncoast Hospice, Shriner's Hospitals for Children, or Pasadena Community Church.