Dr. McLaughlin grew up in Fort Smith, Arkansas, then served two years as an Army Medic in Hawaii. He received his veterinary degree at Kansas State University in 1962, and practiced in Tulsa, Oklahoma  for two years before moving  to St. Louis.  He established a small animal practice named Heritage Veterinary Hospital in Creve Coeur, Missouri in January 1974.  He enjoyed practice ownership until 2003 and then continued working in the practice through 2019 for a total of 45 years. He served in all offices in the  Greater St. Louis VMA including President, District Delegate to the MVMA, and then Secretary Treasurer of the MVMA  for two years in 1984-1985. He is a member of the Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church and has been married to his wife Charlene Sue for 63 years. His hobbies include photography and wood carving.