Michael D. McLaughlin 1950-2026
NEWTON FALLS — Pastor Michael D. McLaughlin, 75, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning, March 17, 2026, at Burton Health Care Center, following an extended illness. He was born Oct. 17, 1950, in Joplin, Missouri, the son of the late Jack Lee McLaughlin and Betty Jean Dickens McLaughlin. Mike had lived in Newton Falls since 1985.
After high school in Wichita, Kansas, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1971.
After fulfilling his military service, Mike enrolled at Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, Iowa, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in the Bible. It was there that he met Janice Marie Goethals and they were married on June 15, 1973, enjoying 52 years together. He continued his studies at Northwest Baptist Theological Seminary in Tacoma, Washington, earning a master of arts degree in biblical studies.
Mike began his first pastorate at First Baptist Church in Libby, Montana. Dedicated to serving others in many ways, he later spent 14 years as a representative for Shepherd’s Home, a compassion care ministry serving the mentally handicapped, and faithfully pastored Baptist Bible Church in Paris Township for 18 years, retiring in 2017. Following retirement, Mike and Janice became faithful members of Grace Fellowship Church in Niles.
In addition to ministry, Mike loved his family and took great pleasure in cheering them on at their sporting events and other endeavors. He also enjoyed watching the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Cleveland Guardians and the Ohio State Buckeyes. He refereed basketball and volleyball and umpired softball and baseball in Trumbull, Portage and Mahoning counties for 17 years.
Mike loved people and truly never met a stranger. He often helped others in any way he could and enjoyed hosting them in his home. He was well known for baking cinnamon raisin bread to share with family and friends. Mike deeply loved God’s Word and counted it an honor to preach it. Most of all, he loved telling people about the good news of eternal life through Jesus Christ, often turning everyday conversations into opportunities to share that hope.
He is survived by his wife, Janice M. McLaughlin of Newton Falls; one daughter, Dawn (Stanley) Butler of Newton Falls; two sons, Timothy (Travis) McLaughlin of Pensacola, Florida, and Daniel (Robin) McLaughlin of Newton Falls; sister, Tamela (Robert) Albright; brothers, Richard McLaughlin, Patrick (T. Jane) McLaughlin and John McLaughlin; seven grandchildren, Thea (Jace), Micaiah, Sydney (Keenan), Luke (Madison), Chloe, Mason (Brooklyn) and Daniel; and two great-grandsons, Waylon and Lincoln.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Jack McLaughlin and Betty Jean Hawkins
Funeral services will begin 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the James Funeral Home in Newton Falls, with Pastor Jamey Winters officiating. Calling hours will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Mike will be laid to rest in Hawley Cemetery in Paris Township.
The family has requested that all donations please be made to Grace Fellowship Church, 325 Youngstown Warren Road, Niles, OH 44446, in Mike’s memory.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 E. Broad St., Newton Falls, OH 44444, 330-872-5440. Family and friends may view his obituary online or share condolences at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.
(special notice)