This week, the Starke County community learned of the passing of long-time Starke Circuit Court Judge Marvin D. McLaughlin. Though he was retired at the time of his death, community members remember his years of service to the county. The 87-year-old North Judson resident was at Pulaski Memorial Hospital when he passed away on Saturday, October 7th.
Marvin McLaughlin attended Butler University and obtained his law degree from Indianapolis University. In 1957, he moved to North Judson to start a law practice. He served as Starke County Prosecutor for four years. McLaughlin went on to serve as a Starke Circuit Court Judge for nearly three decades, from 1963 until his retirement in 1992.
He was also a former member of the Starke County Council. Judge McLaughlin was a well respected and admired member of the community, being nominated and chosen as the recipient of the 2010 Henry F. Schricker “Service before Self” Award and serving as a one of the notable community members in the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay last year.
Details regarding a celebration of life service for Judge McLaughlin are pending at this time. Memorial contributions in his honor can be made to the McLaughlin-Leonard Family Community Fund or the North Judson United Methodist Church Building and Maintenance Fund through the Northern Indiana Community Foundation.
