Arthur W. Laughlin, 90 of Ashland, NE, died peacefully on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at Tabitha Heath Care in Lincoln. He was born in Ashland on May 25, 1924 to John W. and Sabra Mable (Gerard) Laughlin. Art loved his country and following graduation from Ashland High School, he reported for duty to the U.S. Army Air Corp in February 1943 for pilot training where he was awarded his silver pilot wings. He served in WWII, stationed in Nuthamstead, England where he was a co-pilot of B-17’s with the 398^th Bomb Group, flying 26 combat missions over Germany. He was honorably discharged on October 3, 1945 from active duty and then served until April 25, 1955 in the Air Force Reserves. Art returned home from the war to work on the family farm until 1960. He worked for 25 years with the USDA as an Engineering Technician in Lincoln. Upon his retirement in 1985, Art continued to work on the family farm and participate in numerous organizations.

Art has been a member of the Congregational Church in Ashland for over 75 years, serving as a board member and church treasurer. He was an active member for many years in the American Legion Post #129 and the VFW Post #9776. Art also served as Master of the Ashland Grange #386 and Master of the Lodge. He has been a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 64 years. He was also an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star #198, and the Sesostris Shrine and Scottish Rite, both in Lincoln. He was a member of 40 & 8 and he was an active Rainbow Dad. He has been an active board member and caretaker of the Sheffer Pioneer Cemetery for many years.

Art is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Wes and Connie (Reinke) Laughlin of Weeping Water, three granddaughters, Cari and Christy Laughlin of Weeping Water and Michelle Laughlin (Robert) Quinn of California; two great-grandsons, Matthew and Brady Quinn; a very special friend of over 20 years, Fern Hauschild of Ashland; sister-in-law, Marie Harris of Lincoln; numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Esther (Leikam) Laughlin; parents; sons, Terry and Jim Laughlin; brothers, Sedrick (Lotte) Laughlin and John (Ruth) Laughlin.