Dr. George Earl McLaughlin Jr.

George Earl McLaughlin, Jr, 91, of Houston, and formerly of Dallas and Beaumont, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

George was born on October 19, 1933 in Beaumont, Texas. He was the eldest of two sons born to George and Ruth McLaughlin. After graduating from Beaumont High School in 1952, he attended Lamar University, where he was an active member of ATO fraternity and earned a Bachelor of Science in History. Following graduation, he served 2 years in the United States Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid. Upon discharge, George applied and was accepted to University of Texas School of Law, but he was convinced to put it on hold for one year and work at Lamar. He quickly abandoned thoughts of going to law school, focusing his efforts on Lamar. He loved working there, and his long relationship with the university spanned nearly 50 years. He held many administrative positions at Lamar, including Chancellor of the Lamar System and Regents’ Professor of Education. He also found time to attend North Texas State University meeting the requirements of a Master’s degree, eventually achieving a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education. Additional achievements included certificates from Michigan State University and Harvard Business School, as well as serving as a Fulbright Scholar Professor in Hong Kong. In 1989, he served as the Neches River Festival King. Over the years, George counseled and mentored countless students in achieving their goals and aspirations, maintaining relationships throughout the years. Following retirement, he served as a partner in Best Associates, establishing online universities throughout the world.

In his personal life, he said numerous times that he fell in love with Olive Anne Basco while attending Millard Elementary School. Years later, while both of them were working at Lamar, George pursued and married the young widow with three children, and their family grew with the birth of their fourth child. Throughout his life, his most prized treasures were his wife and children. On the day he passed, George's final words to Olive Anne were “Hello beautiful, I love you.” Upon his passing, he was surrounded by family.

George is survived by his wife of 61 years, Olive Anne McLaughlin; his children Lenny McLaughlin and wife Kim, Stephanie Milligan, Anthony McLaughlin and wife Denise, and Georgeanne Longoria and husband Ken; his grandchildren Matthew Milligan, Grace Milligan, James Milligan and wife Jane, Jacob McLaughlin and wife Chelsea, Maddie Lawson and husband Jon, Lauren Longoria, Austin Longoria, Logan Marshall, Lara Marshall; and great-grandson Sage McLaughlin.

George was preceded in death by his parents George Earl McLaughlin, Sr and Ruth McDonald McLaughlin, and his brother Harry McLaughlin.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079, with a reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts in memory of Dr. George E. McLaughlin to Lamar University through the Lamar University Foundation. Direct gifts to the Lamar University Foundation, PO Box 11500 Beaumont, Texas 77710 or give through Lamar.edu/give

Please note gifts are in memory of Dr. George E. McLaughlin.