Bruce Emerson McLaughlin

7-9-1939 to 1-26-2022

Survived by:

Wife, Janet

Sons, Keith (Pam), Ken (Linh), Kevin

Sister, Lynne

Grandchildren, Sarah Lynne, Shane (Megan), Whitney (Josh), Holly, Katelyn (Noah), Christian Great Grandchildren, Amelia, Shawn, Aiden, Roran

Bruce Emerson was born In Akron OH on July 9, 1939, the first born to Roy and Ester McLaughlin. Sister Lynne was born 3 years later. When he was 5 years of age, his family moved to Phoenix Arizona. He attended Osborn Grade School, North Phoenix High School, Phoenix College and Glendale Community College. Bruce loved singing and started performing vocally in the High School and Church Choirs that led him to preforming in 18 different countries in Europe. He was also a member of the Phoenix  Opera Chamber, being the lead baritone in Cosi fan tutte. Bruce was 16 years old when he saw Janet age 14 for the first time. After returning from Europe, he called Janet and started their 4 year romance until they were married May 6, 1961. In 1959 Bruce joined the Arizona Air National Guard and was trained as a jet aircraft mechanic and was later stationed in Germany for 9 months during which time their first son Keith was born. After returning from Germany, Bruce started working for Lockheed Aircraft, stationed at Luke Air Force Base located in Litchfield Arizona as a Crew Chief working with the F-104 Star Fighter jet. His love for cars and natural mechanical ability lead to start his own business. Bruce Automotive Service was open for 24 years, during which he was elected National Board of the Automotive Service Association. Upon retirement, he and Janet became RV’ers and traveled around the country, visiting 46 States. They built a life in Phoenix Arizona but eventually the summer heat was too much, and they moved to Flagstaff Arizona to enjoy the cooler weather. After several years of shoveling snow, it was time to move to Clarkdale Arizona (near Sedona) where the weather was more suitable.  In 2018 they moved to Shattuck Oklahoma to be near their youngest son Kevin and their grandson Christian. He attended Ebenezer Baptist Church where he led his church family in  singing praises to his Lord. Many of you will know him by his green and black 1956 ford pickup which he fully restored. He had a great sense of humor and loved everyone that he met.