Wallace B. McGaughey, Sr., 96, of Indiana, passed away peacefully Friday, Jan. 12, 2018, at his home, with his daughters by his side.
A son of the late Charles Virgil and Elizabeth “Betty” Chambers McGaughey, he was born July 29, 1921, in Indiana.
Mr. McGaughey was a lifelong resident of Indiana. He was a 1939 graduate of Indiana High School, where he was a member of the high schools first undefeated football team in 1938. Mr. McGaughey proudly served his country in the Army Air Force during World War II. He completed 25 missions in the Army Air Force as a ball turret gunner. Mr. McGaughey earned numerous medals during his enlistment including, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Europe-Africa-Middle East Medal (WWII), Victory Medal (WWII), American Campaign Medal (WWII), and the Air Force Overseas Service Medal. He was inducted into the Soldiers and Sailors Hall of Valor in Pittsburgh and is named on the Honor Roll at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. Mr. McGaughey was also a member of the 381st Bomb Group Memorial Association. He was a life member of the Indiana American Legion Post 141, where he received a 50-year membership award. Mr. McGaughey was also a member of the Indiana V.F.W. Post 1989, Indiana B.P.O.E 931, Indiana Bottle Club and was a Boy Scout Leader for Troop 28. In spite of losing his arm in 1950, Mr. McGaughey loved the game of golf. He traveled many times with friends in his motorhome to Myrtle Beach golf courses. Mr. McGaughey also participated in a handicapped golf league. He worked for Griner’s Bakery before and after the war and was a self-employed insurance broker/agent in Indiana for many years. He earned award winning sales that enabled he and his wife to travel to Greece and later to the Canary Islands.
He is survived by five children: Judith Tokar and husband John, of Audubon; Connie Lane, of San Jose, CA; Sue Ann Luther and husband Richard, of Homer City; Nancy Werner and husband Jeffrey, of Johnstown; and Wallace B. McGaughey, Jr. and wife Linda, of Walker, LA; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Anne M. Dutko McGaughey; an infant daughter, Karen McGaughey; two brothers: Charles “Bud” McGaughey, Robert McGaughey; and a sister, Dorothy Widdowson.
There will be no visitation. Graveside services are private and will be held at the convenience of the family with Pastor James Gay officiating. Robinson-Lytle, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
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