John Walter "Johnny" Laughlin, of Vienna, was born on August 10, 1952, at Waynesville, a son of James Orville and Ida Gladys (Nickels) Laughlin, and departed this life at 8:21 a.m., on Thursday, July 23, 2020, in Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis. He had attained the age of 67 years, 11 months, and 13 days.

Johnny is survived by two sons, Justin Laughlin of Waynesville, and Jake Laughlin and wife, Saige, of Lone Jack; one daughter, Josie Spurgin, and husband, Scott, of Eminence; one grandson, Colt Spurgin; one brother, Jerry Laughlin, and wife, Betty, of Waynesville; three sisters, Joyce Yelton and husband, Mike, of Washington, Janell Napier and husband, Dave, of Eminence, and Jamie Hicks of Camdenton, Special Friend Chip Kammerlohr, and wife Dana, of Cassville, and many other relatives and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his father, James, on March 13, 1969; his mother, Gladys, on February 6, 1997; and one brother, Joe Laughlin.

Johnny had grown up in the Mt. Gibson Baptist Church in Waynesville, where he had accepted Christ as his Savior and baptized, and at the time of his passing, he was a member of the First Baptist Church, Vienna. Johnny especially enjoyed cooking for the church Easter breakfast. Johnny was a strong supporter of the Vienna community and surrounding area and had served his country in the National Guard, and was a former member of the Masonic Lodge.

From a family with a long history of farming and livestock, Johnny was a true "Cattleman." During his working life, he worked at Licking Sale Barn, South Central Regional Stockyard, Vienna, and for Interstate Regional Livestock Market, Cuba and as a Stock Contractor. He had an eye for cattle and a gift for keeping them healthy. Johnny enjoyed feeding and caring for all stock.

In earlier years, Johnny participated in area horse shows and led the "all day" ride at Big Piney Trail Ride. In 2005 Johnny and his family started and ran Show-Me Timed Event Challenge at the arena on their farm.   Johnny provided cattle for rodeos, jackpots, and benefits all over the state of Missouri and neighboring states.   Johnny was known for making people feel welcome, encouraging contestants and being fair to all.

Johnny was comfortable behind a microphone whether it be singing a solo at church, greeting visitors at the welcome night at the trail ride, auctioning at a sale or announcing a rodeo. Johnny loved telephone calls! Talking on the phone was high on his priority list. He enjoyed the call but mainly he enjoyed the person on the other end of the line.

Services for Johnny will be held on Sunday, Aug 2, 2020 at Bar X Farm, 10764 Maries Road 331, Vienna, MO. Family and Friends will start gathering at 1:00 around the arena. The funeral will be at 4:00. Feel free to spread out around the arena for the safety of yourself and others.

The family has been assisted by the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home in Vienna. Instead of flowers, contributions can be made to MHSR.

Missouri High School Rodeo

Johnny Laughlin Scholarship Fund

Lena Jobe, Treasure

13021 Mount Carmel Road

Eugene, MO 65032