Robert Joseph McLaughlin, Jr. (Bob) 71, of Orange, passed away after his courageous battle with cancer on September 20, 2022, at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont, Texas. He made the best of his circumstances with his humor and sarcasm. Bob always showed his appreciation to everyone he encountered, be it a neighbor who helped around the house or the countless doctors and nurses who cared for him. So many commented what a “bright light” he was, even through his suffering.

A memorial gathering will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, September 24, 2022, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City.

Born in North Plainfield, New Jersey, on September 30, 1950, he was the son of Mary and Robert McLaughlin, Sr. Robert attended the local high school in North Plainfield before attending Seton Hall University for his Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Marketing, and then continuing to the University of Tennessee where he received his Master’s in Transportation. He began his career as a longshoreman, loading 50lb sacks onto ships until he worked his way up to Operations Manager. Bob was employed with the Port of Orange, Port of Beaumont, and Port of Port Arthur in various positions before retiring. Outside of work he was an avid coin collector and took great pleasure in showing off each piece while telling it's history. Bob also enjoyed reading and could often be found with a book in his hand. He was well known for his quick wit, sarcastic sense of humor, philosophical advice, and endless jokes. His face lit up when he talked about his family who he loved immensely. Bob was an incredible man that touched the lives of so many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Robert McLaughlin, Sr; and his sister, Susan McLaughlin.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Sandy McLaughlin; children, Misty Stantz and husband, Brent of Welsh, Louisiana, Shawn Martin and wife, Natacha of Kingwood, Texas; along with his grandchildren, Deacon Stantz, Tyson Stantz, Weston Stantz, Carter Martin, Madelyn Martin, Lorelai Sheffield, and Christian Martin.

Special thanks to neighbors and friends who became family and supported Bob with visits, errands, rides to the hospital and phone calls. Your kind deeds did not go unnoticed. The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses of both MD Anderson Cancer Center and Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas for their endless support, compassion, and abundant care. We thank each of you from the bottom of our hearts.