Joseph Laughlin

Joseph “Dr. J” Laughlin

Age 76 of Coal City and Palm Desert, California passed away Friday May 8, 2015 at Morris Hospital.

Born June 4, 1938 in Cleveland, Ohio, Joseph was a son of the late Thomas J. and Marion Culberson-Laughlin. He was raised and educated in Detroit, Michigan, where he graduated from Western High School with the Class of 1957.  Following high school, Joseph would go on to play in the Detroit Tiger’s minor league system as a pitcher from 1958 to 1960.  Due to an arm injury, his career in baseball would be shortened. However, Joseph’s injury led him to pursue his future career as a doctor of Naprapathy, graduating from the National College of Naprapathic Medicine. On October 12, 1974, he married Yolanda Kay Ulivi at New Hope Presbyterian Church in Coal City. Joseph’s offices were Associated Health and Therapy Clinic at 75 South Broadway in Coal City.  He was a member of the Palm Valley Country Club in Palm Desert, California, and was a former member of the Morris Country Club.  Joseph was known for being quite the golfer, and for being a tremendous gardener.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years Yolanda of Goose Lake; one daughter: Vanessa (Douglas Krause) Laughlin of Glen Carbon, Illinois, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents and one son: Joey Laughlin.

Cremation rites have been accorded, and the family will receive friends on Saturday May 16, 2015 from 9:00 AM until time of Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block north of Illinois Route 113), in Coal City. Funeral Celebrant Violette E. Baskerville CFC, CPC will officiate.  A burial will follow at a later date in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery, where Joseph will be laid to rest with his son, Joey.

Preferred memorials may be made in Joseph’s memory as gifts to the American Heart Association, 208 South Lasalle Street, Suite 1500, Chicago, Illinois 60604.

Family and friends may sign the guest book or go to Joseph’s memorial page by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Cremation services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City 815-634-2125.