Baird-Freeman Funeral Home

221 North Meridian Street

Portland, Indiana 47371

260-726-7171

Bruce W. McLaughlin, age 72, of rural Portland passed away on Sunday September 20, 2026 at his residence. Born in Richmond on September 22, 1953 he was the son of W. Keith and A. Rosalie (Rody) McLaughlin. He was married on June 2, 1974 to Sue Ann Shultz whom survives.

Bruce had worked for Straley Garage for 18 years and then bought the business renaming it McLaughlin’s dba Straley Garage and retired and closed the business in 2021. He drove dump trucks and semi’s part time when businesses or farmers needed help. Bruce loved camping, NASCAR and being with friends and family. Bruce was a member of Moose Lodge, Elks Lodge, National Threshers Association and Tri State Gas Engine and Tractor Association.

Surviving are his wife Sue Ann, three children Amy Lea Taylor (husband Zachary) of Lapel, Eric K. McLaughlin (wife Ashley) of Portland and Aaron P. McLaughlin (wife Kendra) of Portland, Grandchildren Shawnee Bruzzesse (husband Paul) of Anderson, Christopher Taylor (wife Julie) of Muncie, Alexis Struble (husband Jacob) of Muncie, Zoe McLaughlin of Portland, Kinley McLaughlin of Portland, Luke McLaughlin of Portland and Rosalie McLaughlin of Portland, Four great grandchildren Evelyn Taylor and Milly Taylor of Muncie, Astrid Bruzzesse and Oliver Struble, Siblings Sue E. McLaughlin of Portland and Bryce McLaughlin (wife Pati) of Portland

Bruce and Sue Ann also had foreign exchange students live with them including Andrea Kanianska of Czechoslovakia, Luis Cruz of Mexico, Yuliya “Julia” Rakevich of Belarus, Danica Jankovska of Macedonia, Chatchanok Hengsuko of Thailand, Florian Cayeaux of France and Ivaylo Rangelov, Bulgaria.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday September 24th from 3:00 – 7:00 PM in the Bob Schmidt 4-H Exhibition Hall in the Jay County Fairgrounds. Memorials can be made to Tri State Gas Engine and Tractor Association, Walnut Corner Church or Jay County 4-H. Baird-Freeman Funeral Home are handling the arrangements.

Online condolences at www.bairdfreeman.com