Laughlin

CALDWELL—Ruel Michael Laughlin II was born on May 29, 1967, in Baytown, to his parents, Sandra and Ruel Laughlin.

He passed away on Aug. 28, 2024, at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in Houston, surrounded by his family and friends.

Michael graduated from Caldwell High School in 1985.

At the time of his passing, Michael owned ML Oilfield Service, Mr. Laughlin

where his employees lovingly called him “Porky” and “Porkchop.”

Though Michael’s time on earth ended far too soon, he lived a full life and made so many memories along the way. If he was not at his house in Caldwell, Michael was visiting Rockport with his lifelong friend, Eric Morton, enjoying fishing and the company of his friends.

His Wednesday evenings in Caldwell were spent with his other half, Robyn Garcia, at Country Burger, dining, laughing and enjoying the little things in life.

Michael enjoyed riding the back roads where he believed he could “conquer the world.”

He loved to travel, often booking another trip as soon as he got back.

Anyone that knew Michael knew he was very firm in his political beliefs and would never pass up on the opportunity for a debate.

Michael took specific pride in his property, you could often find him on weekends mowing the yard and taking care of his home.

Michael was always the life of the party, there was never a dull moment around him. No matter what type of day someone was having, they were guaranteed to smile and laugh in Michael’s presence.

He was lovingly referred to as “PawPaw” by his granddaughter Aubrey. Michael was the best PawPaw. He taught Aubrey about the unconditional love of a grandfather.

He was referred to as “Uncle Mik” by his nieces Brittany, Megan and Haley, who will always remember his humor and love in their memories.

He was always called “Daddy” by his daughter Morgan. Michael had a soft spot for his “Morgs” and always made sure she knew his love and that she was taken care of.

Michael loved his family with his entire heart, and they felt the same about him. His laugh, smile and sense of humor will forever live on in the memories of his family and friends.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Ruel Michael Laughlin; paternal grandparents Granville and Marjorie Laughlin; maternal grandparents G.E. and Treba Leediker; and brother-in-law Jim Parker.

Michael is survived by his mother, Sandra Bell of Baytown; daughter Morgan Laughlin of Rockdale; granddaughter Aubrey Laughlin-May of Rockdale; siblings Laurie Parker Bestor and husband Chris of Caldwell, Allen Laughlin and wife Yalanda of Tarkington Prairie, Shana Boone and husband Danny Hanson of Sour Lake; nieces Brittany Ison and fiancé Omar Barbosa of Bastrop, Megan Cothern and husband Wes of Snook, Haley Knee and husband Cooper of Montgomery; great-nephew and niece Bailey Cothern and Connor Knee; other half Robyn Garcia of Caldwell; and friends that became family, including Eric, Leslee and Brynn Morton, Colby, Ashley, Crew, Cutter and Creed Morton, Alex, Madison and Maverick Matchett, Justin, Brittany and Burlin Roberts, Ty, Alexis and Reed Batchler and Dennis, Justin and Pam Zimmerhanzel.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Michael would want all of you to spend time with your family and friends, to play and laugh with your children and grandchildren and live life to the fullest.