Jon Laughter

Jon H. Laughter, PE, RLS

Vietnam Veteran

Jon Harvey Laughter, 84, of Hendersonville NC, went to be with our Heavenly Father on Friday, May 3, 2024, from his home where he was surrounded by his loving wife and four daughters.

Jon was born in his Grandmother’s house in Etowah on May 11, 1939 to the late Jesse Harvey and Madge Jones Laughter.  He was a graduate of Hendersonville High School, then went on to study engineering and surveying at NC State College (home of the Wolfpack!).  In 1962, after graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, he returned to Hendersonville and married the love of his life Linda Connell Laughter.  They had four daughters, Stephanie Laughter Sudano, Cynthia Laughter Pope, Jennifer Laughter Mills, and Jessica Laughter Poole.  

Jon joined the Air Force late in 1962 where he served in both the Tactical Air Command at Pope Field and Red Horse Squadron in Republic of Vietnam 1967, attaining the rank of Captain, and being awarded both Bronze Star and Air Force Commendation Medals for service to his country. Upon return to civilian life, Jon became the NCDOT District Engineer for Henderson County.  In 1974, he started a private engineering and land surveying company in downtown Hendersonville.   Laughter Austin and Associates, PA provided professional services in western NC and SC for 50 years.

Jon was a long standing member of the First Baptist Church of Hendersonville NC.  He greatly influenced his children in the importance of a lifelong relationship with Christ.  He also served his community as a Rotarian, a Hendersonville City Councilman, a member of the City of Hendersonville Board of Education, an appointee to both the County Board and the NC Association of Public Health, and many more.  Jon was always seeking to serve the community in various positions.  His contributions in community service have left an indelible mark on the City of Hendersonville NC, Henderson County, western North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Jon was also a visionary in the engineering field.  His contributions to the Hendersonville community can be seen almost anywhere you turn.  Some more recognizable projects include Kenmure, Carolina Village, Carriage Park, City Racquetball Courts, Kanuga Conference, various summer camps and public facilities, numerous water and sewer lines, water storage tanks, stormwater facilities, bridges, highways, pedestrian bridge and gazebo, parks, sidewalks, greenways,  business locations, and numerous property surveys.  There are too many to list from 50 years of service to the community.  Jon was also instrumental in long range transportation planning for the area, proposing the long considered Balfour Parkway which would have improved east west mobility in Henderson County.

In Jon’s own words, “In addition to working and contributions to my community, my most important work done over the last 50 years has been in becoming a father and grandfather to FOUR daughters and a rather indulgent loving grandfather to NINE grandchildren.”   Since the time he wrote those words, TWO great grandchildren have been added to the list.

Jon is survived by his loving wife Linda, four daughters Stephanie Laughter Sudano (Tim),  Cynthia Laughter Pope (Randy), Jennifer Laughter Mills (Bob), and Jessica Laughter Poole (Shane), and nine grandchildren Jinna Pope Morgan (Blake) , James Hannon Sudano (Marian), Brooke Sudano Davis (Andy), Jonathan Sim Pope, Matthew Tyler Poole (Ashley), Rachael Sudano Meekins (Christian), Shelby Elise Poole, Lindsay Katherine Mills, Caroline Grace Mills, and two great grandchildren Sophia and Grayson.  In addition, Jon is survived by his brother Samuel J. Laughter.

Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Hendersonville NC on Saturday May 11th with visitation at 10 am and service at 11 am, with the Rev. Steve Scoggins officiating.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the SECU Family House of Winston Salem NC (familyhousews.org), Four Seasons Hospice in Hendersonville NC (fourseasonscare.org), or First Baptist Church of Hendersonville NC (fbchnc.org).

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Laryon Owens

Laryon Cecilia Dayton Owens died peacefully on April 18, 2024, at the age of 91. Laryon was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Navy Commander John Gary Owens: her parents Lawrence E. Dayton & Marion Weinberger Dayton, and her sister Teryl. She is survived by her children: Dayton (wife Sharon), Alycia, Daryck, Myche Owens Taylor (husband Jason), and her grandchildren: Lindsay, Allyson and Michael. Laryon was a classically trained concert pianist who was taught by and performed with Ruth Slenczynska (the last surviving student of Rachmaninoff). Laryon was an artist, architect and teacher. Laryon graduated UC Berkeley and was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta. She volunteered as a pianist for Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Hendersonville Little Theater, Pat’s School of Dance and as accompanist for many instrumentalists and symphony events. She was an ardent fundraiser and advocate for the Epilepsy Society and for people with disabilities. Laryon founded The String Bees for Henderson County school symphonies and with her husband co-founded The Bounty of Bethlehem community Christmas dinner for the under privileged. Laryon and Gary were owners and chefs of The Main Spot restaurant in Hendersonville. For those who would like to honor Laryon, the family requests donations be made in her name to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital.

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Death Notices 5/8/24

Josephine Aiken 91 Hendersonville, NC 4/29/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation

Janice Montgomery 81 Sebring, FL 4/15/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation May 11 11AM Oakdale Cemetery

Martha Chovan 92 Hendersonville, NC 5/5/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation

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Terry Blackwell

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Death Notices 4/24/24

Elizabeth Policoro 96 Hendersonville, NC 4/14/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation

Tess Tindle 80 Hendersonville, NC 4/18/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation April 26 2:00pm Church Street Funeral Chapel

Melvin Pinkston 86 Hendersonville, NC 4/18/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation

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Death Notices 4/17/24

Terry Blackwell 77 Hendersonville, NC 4/10/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation

Shirley Netz 83 Flat Rock, NC 4/10/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation April 28 2pm Church Street Funeral & Cremation 

Ronald Turner, Sr. 82 Hendersonville, NC 4/10/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation

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Death Notices 4/3/24

Mrs. Dean Westmoreland     88     Hendersonville, NC     03/25/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation      Apr 6  2pm     Forest Lawn Mausoleum Chapel (Interment)

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Death Notices 3/20/24

Roseann Pflum     89     Arden, NC     3/12/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation

Annette Simpson     86     Mills River, NC      3/12/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation     Mar 18   2:00pm     Church Street Funeral Chapel

Michael Dietzel     75     Hendersonville, NC     3/12/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation

Janet Atherton     91     Hendersonville, NC     3/14/2024      Church Street Funeral & Cremation      Mar 21  11:00am     Church Street Funeral Chapel

Michael Fender     73     Hendersonville, NC     3/14/2024      Church Street Funeral & Cremation 

Patricia Pope     87     Horse Shoe, NC    3/17/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation        Mar 21  4:00pm     Church Street Funeral    

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Death Notices 3/13/24

Joan Ricchezza     87     Greenville, SC     03/06/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation     Mar 11  2:00PM     Shepherd Memorial Park

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Death Notices 3/6/24

Matthew Lavell 86 Flat Rock, NC 02/26/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation Feb 29 2pm Shepherd Memorial Park

Theresa Justus 73 Hendersonville, NC 02/27/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation Mar 23 3pm Crab Creek Community Center

Orrin Brown 85 Hendersonville, NC 02/25/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation

Delores von Kolnitz 73 Hendersonville, NC 02/28/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation Mar 5 11AM Church Street Funeral

Joan Engle 80 Hendersonville, NC 02/29/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation Mar 9 2pm Marie's Chapel

Emily Fox 78 Hendersonville, NC 02/29/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation Mar 8 2pm Covenant Presbyterian Church

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Death Notices 2/28/24

Helen Hood 85 Hendersonville, NC 02/19/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation Mar 2 1:00pm Church Street Chapel

William Ward 94 Hendersonville, NC 02/21/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation

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Death Notices 2/21/24

Wayne Bastedo     75     Hendersonville, NC     02/15/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation

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Death Notices 2/14/24

James Barroll     71     Hendersonville, NC     02/05/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation      Feb 11 @ 2:00  Church Street Funeral Chapel

Vickie Worsham      79      Hendersonville, NC     02/05/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation     Feb 12 @ 1:00   Church Street Funeral Chapel      

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Death Notices 1/24/24

Marc Carlton - 68 - Hendersonville, NC  01/15/2024 - Church Street Funeral & Cremation - (interment at) Shepherd Memorial Park

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Death Notices 1/17/24

Shirley Gross 86 Biltmore Forest, NC 1/8/24 Church Street Funeral & Cremation  (interment at) US Naval Academy Cemetery

Janice Liebler 84 Hendersonville, NC 1/10/24 Church Street Funeral & Cremation --

Barbara Worcester 91 Hendersonville, NC 1/12/24 Church Street Funeral & Cremation --

Therese Holberton 96 Hendersonville, NC 1/14/24 Church Street Funeral & Cremation --

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Darryl Dunlap

Horse Shoe, NC - Darryl Rich Dunlap, 76, passed away Friday, December 15, 2023 at Regency Hospital in Greenville, SC.

Mr. Dunlap was born in Buffalo, NY to the late Acton and Rhea Rich Dunlap. He grew up in Delevan, NY.

Darryl had always dreamt of moving to the mountains of NC one day after working up North. He was an Army Veteran and worked with Eastman Kodak as an apprentice working his way up to supervisor and then switched careers to an HVAC specialist later on. His passion and love were antique cars and street rods. He especially loved the 1930’s classics and the 1960 corvettes. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and had a special bond with his dogs, Elvis and Morgan.

Darryl is survived by his wife, Connie Valentine Dunlap; a sister, Lynn Bednarek (Paul); a brother-in-law, Neil Valentine (Diane); a sister-in-law, Bonnie West (Jim) and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and many good friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in the spring at the WNC State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain.

A guest register is available online at www.grocefuneralhome.com.

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Karen Maw Hughes

Karen Maw Hughes, 55, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away on October 24, 2023, after a courageous 20-month battle with cancer. She grew up in Six Mile, SC and had lived in Hendersonville for the past 23 years.

Throughout her life, Karen made a lasting impact on those around her. Karen was a graduate of Daniel High School and Southern Wesleyan University (formerly Central Wesleyan). She was a Pharmacy Clerk at Publix and prior to that worked at Kyocera. However, it was her role as a loving mother and devoted wife that truly defined her. Karen found joy
in attending her daughters' soccer tournaments, cheering them on with unwavering support. She also cherished her time at MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) at church when her daughters
were young.

Karen had a zest for life and enjoyed indulging in her interests. She was an avid fan of Clemson football, proudly supporting her team through every game. Additionally, she found solace and fulfillment in crafting, allowing her creativity to shine through her beautiful creations. Karen's faith was an integral part of her life, and she was a member of Mud Creek Baptist Church and attended Biltmore Baptist in Arden.

She was preceded in death by her father, Roger Maw, and her mother, Carole Atkinson Maw.

She is survived by her loving husband of 22 years, Heath Hughes, who stood by her side throughout her illness. Karen was a devoted mother to her two daughters, Cayla Hughes and Sarah Hughes, who brought immense joy and pride to her life. She also leaves behind her brother, Chris Maw, and his wife, Pam; her step-sister, Lyndia Sexton; a half-brother, Dale Maw; several nieces and nephews; as well as her many close friends.

Services to honor and celebrate Karen's life will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Pardee Cancer Center or to the Sarah
Hughes 529 Plan at www.tmcfunding.com.

To offer online condolences, visit www.churchstreetfuneral.com. Church Street Funeral & Cremation is assisting the family.

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Clarence Robert Richardson, 92

Clarence Robert Richardson passed from this world peacefully at the age of 92 on September 13 at Elizabeth House in Hendersonville, NC with wonderful nurses and doctors providing care and his family members all getting to say their goodbyes. Known as Rob to his family and friends, he was the son of the late James Harold Richardson and Mary Lorraine Ostberg Richardson. He was born in Lovelock, Nevada, January 10, 1931.

After quitting high school at 17, his mom signed the paperwork so he could join the newly formed Air Force instead of being sent to reform school. He was headed for officer training school at West Point when he came down with pleurisy and spent 15 months in a variety of military hospitals.

After his discharge from the service, he returned home to attend the University of Nevada at Reno where he met his future wife of 68 years, Donna Ruth Ames. They were married on September 6, 1955. Their first child, Karen, joined the family the next spring.

Rob graduated fifirst in his class from UNR in 1957 with a BS, then decided to further his study of nuclear physics. He was accepted at a number of prestigious schools but chose Johns Hopkins University because of its family-friendly nature. Rob and Donna welcomed their son, Jeff, in April of 1958. The family lived in the Bradford on 33rd and St. Paul Streets in Baltimore in a one-bedroom apartment while Rob completed his doctoral program, earning his PhD in 1963.

The family then moved to Long Island, NY so Rob could work at the Brookhaven National Laboratory. During this time, he was part of a group that discovered the elementary particle, Omega Minus.

After four years, the Richardson family moved back to Maryland so Rob could work at what was then called the Atomic Energy Commission, later becoming the Department of Energy, at the Germantown location. He spent the next 25 years there, with one notable exception. From the summer of 1970 to summer of 1971, the Richardson family spent the year in Geneva, Switzerland while Rob worked at CERN Lab.

Rob received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award (2018), was a recipient of the Exceptional Service Award from the Department of Energy (1987), and earned the Herz Gold Medal for First in Graduating Class, UNR (1957).

Always one ready with a joke, Rob will be missed for his wit, his intellect (including being the grammar police), and making sure there was a place for everything and everything was in its place. While he did not suffer fools lightly, coining the phrase “mingies” meaning mean and stingy, he eventually learned to bite his tongue. Rob greatly enjoyed music, happy hours, and traveling, and he and Donna visited nearly 90 countries together.

He has left a hole in the hearts of those he leaves behind including his beloved wife, Donna of Hendersonville, NC, his daughter Karen Richardson Yoho (Joe) of Mt. Airy, MD, his son Jeff Richardson (Gloraima) of Miami, FL, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Clint Yoho (Sarah) and their daughter, Emma, Briana Yoho Long (Chris) and their children, Ethan and Olivia, and Danielle Yoho and her daughter Kyla, Sean Richardson (Karina) and their children Lucas, Mila, and Gabriel, Eric Richardson (Gabrielle) and their children, Logan and
Alexandra, as well as Jeff’s stepchildren Maria Acosta (Andoni) and their children Angel, Alessandro, and Mia, Mary Ann Medina and her children Samantha and Nicholas Lacorra, and Ernesto Medina, Rob’s younger brother Jim Richardson (Robin Snagg), many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Rob was predeceased by his older brother, Albert Richardson, and his great-grandson, Trent Yoho.

Honoring Rob’s wishes, his body is being donated to science for research. The family is happy to get together at any time with those wishing to reminisce about Rob. Donations may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or the World Wildlife Fund.

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Joseph Learoyd Oates, 80

Joseph Learoyd Oates, 80, of Hendersonville, died peacefully at his home on Friday, March 4, 2022. A lifelong resident of Henderson County, he was born November 12, 1941 in Hendersonville, NC, to Joseph Columbus Oates and Ruby Collins Oates. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 54 years, Betty Sherrill Oates and brother C. Dwight Oates. Joe is survived by his daughter, Sherrill Ann Oates (Michael McQuade); grandson Ian McQuade, of Travelers Rest, SC and nephew David Oates (Susan) of Hendersonville, NC.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Monday, March 21, 2022 at Jackson Funeral Home with Reverend Justin Alexander officiating. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 pm Monday, March 21, 2022, at the funeral home.

Joe was a 1960 graduate of Hendersonville High School and a 1965 graduate of Mars Hill College. Joe was the Chief Test Engineer for Stencel Aero Engineering Corporation in Arden where he tested parachutes and pilot rescue systems for the military. Joe was also the co-owner of Oates Realty Associates, Inc., and along with his wife, Betty, helped countless families make their new homes in Henderson County. Joe joined the Hendersonville Board of Realtors in 1977 and was President in 1980, 1986 and 2005 and retired from the real estate business in 2015. Joe remained active in real estate and enjoyed time at the NC coast with his family. Joe was an avid photographer, airplane enthusiast and pilot and continued his passion for flying into his retirement by becoming an FAA certified drone pilot.

The family wishes to thank Eusebio and Anita Gutierrez, Heylin Hidalgo, Brick and Linda Cox, all of Joe’s neighbors at The Orchards, and especially Colleen, Mickey, Laura, Jennifer and George, Four Seasons Hospice and Justin Alexander for the care, comfort, ministry and friendship they all provided to Joe and his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joe’s memory may be made to Four Seasons Foundation, 211 N. Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792

Condolence cards may be sent to the Oates family to: 1101 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792 or jacksonfuneralservice.com.

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Sandra Davey (Edwards) Waggoner, 83

Sandra Davey (Edwards) Waggoner, 83, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away at her home on July 27, 2021. Affectionately known as Sandy, Mom, and Nana, she was born on May 15, 1938 in Philadelphia, PA. She grew up in Stuart and Lake Worth, FL, where she attended Rosarian High School. She was the first of three siblings born to Walter F. Davey MD “Doc” and Elizabeth “Betts” Young Davey and is predeceased by her parents and brother “Jay”, Walter F. Davey Jr. DVM, and survived by her sister Susanne “Suz” D. Rappenecker and brother-in -law Steve live in Gainesville, FL.

Sandy met her first husband, Robert C. Edwards, Jr., “Bob”, deceased 1994, when she was a freshman at Duke University Nursing School. They married and (much to Bob’s chagrin) they had four daughters. In the early years the family moved between NC and SC every few years until they landed in Hendersonville in 1970. Sandy was adept at making every new place into a welcoming home. In the early 80s Sandy worked alongside Bob to help start Young Generations, a girls clothing company, and later to purchase Ruth Originals.

Sandy was always involved with volunteer work. She was a member of the Land O’ Sky Garden Club and she spent many years and hours with the Pardee Hospital Auxiliary as the orientation coordinator and training Pink Lady volunteers.

She was active in the Jr. Welfare Club and was involved in entertainment for the
yearly fundraiser. She loved to dance and rehearsed in the garage in front of her audience of 4 girls, paybacks for the endless hours and years of dance recitals she and Dad had to endure.

In 1996 Sandy married a dear family friend, William H. Waggoner, “Bill”, deceased 2013. They loved to travel and spend time in Arizona where Bill had spent much of his childhood. It had to have been true love because Sandy returned from home from their first trip wearing a denim vest and turquoise!

Sandy was a natural beauty, a cheerleader, and homecoming queen. She loved to garden, and loved orchids and pink lady slippers in particular. She was a world-class cook, she loved to host gatherings, she adored and was adored by her friends and neighbors. She loved to play bridge with her friends every Monday, loved chardonnay on ice, and was an avid Duke basketball fan. Most of all she loved Johnny Mathis and her little white dog Sophie.

Sandy spent countless hours baking bread from the starter she was given by her sister Suz many years ago. Her freezer was always full of those loaves of love and she was quick to distribute them to friends on holidays or in times of need. Sandy was supportive, considerate, kind, compassionate and had a keen sense of humor. She was famous for clipping articles from the local paper and mailing them to people she thought would have an interest. She will be remembered for the little pearls of wisdom she peppered us with throughout our lives and her daily mantra of, “I’M FINE.”

Sandy is survived by her daughter Betsy Edwards of Hendersonville, NC; daughter and son-in-law Susan and Mark Sangiolo, West Harwich, MA; daughter and son-in-law Leslie and John Coker, Hendersonville NC; daughter and son-in-law Ashley and Robert Thompson, Birmingham, AL; and her seven grandchildren: Allee Cox, Anne Crowell, Adam Sangiolo, Griffin Thompson, Hannah Coker, Graham Thompson and Bennett Thompson.

Sandy was fortunate to have five loving step-children: Steven Waggoner, Wendy Henderson, Melinda Bryant, Karen Saine, and Pati Waggoner-Meyers and all of their children and grandchildren whom she adored.

We extend a heartfelt “thank you” to all her wonderful friends and neighbors, the staff and caregivers at Lake Point Landing, her hair and nail stylists, her drivers, her Trust advisors, her dog sitters, her doctors and veterinarians. It truly took a village for Sandy to live happily, independent.

Don’t worry Sandy, we will all be fine, but we will all miss you so much.


In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Community Foundation of Henderson County
Robert C. Edwards Jr. and Sandra Edwards Waggoner Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Community Foundation of Henderson County
401 North Main St, Suite 300
Hendersonville, NC 28792

Private, Family only burial at St. James Memorial Garden

Jackson Funeral Service is assisting the Waggoner family.

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