Robert Joel Laughner, 83, of Frankfort, passed away February 28, 2025 at Witham Hospital, Lebanon, IN. He was born July 10, 1941 in Clinton County to the late Robert L. & Hildred M. (Traylor) Laughner. He was previously married to Lynda (Clark) Laughner. He then married Debra S. Russell on December 13, 1994 in Frankfort and she preceded him in death on August 19, 2021.
Robert was a 1959 grad
uate of Frankfort High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He had worked 31 years as a Firefighter for the City of Frankfort, he then went on to work at Caterpillar, Clinton County Dispatch, John Deere, and worked with Boone County as a canine dog trainer. Robert was a member of the North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA), Clinton County Sheriff’s Reserve Deputy Canine from 1994-2000, member of the American Legion and SWAT Medic for 10 years. Bob enjoyed fishing with his son and playing guitar with his fellow pickers.
Robert is survived by his son, Mitch (Brenda) Laughner of rural Frankfort, granddaughter Matilyne (fiancé Gabe Buschman) Laughner of Indianapolis, grandson Lane Laughner of Lafayette, and great granddaughter Ivy Laughner.
Also survived by sister Jane (Ed) Ricker of rural Frankfort, niece Teresa (Stacey) Minier of W. Lafayette, nephew, Chad (Tina) Ricker, 2 great nephews, Jesse (fiancé Elise Discher) Ricker of Westfield and Dylan Ricker of Frankfort and great niece, Olivia Minier of W. Lafayette.
Also surviving is stepdaughter, Stacey (Danny) Brown of Brookston and grandchildren Kaleb (fiancé Jasmine Phillips) Stewart of Brookston, Jaycie Brown of Attica and Brian (Wil) Brown of Lafayette.
Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at the funeral home. Burial with military rites will be in Green Lawn Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to NAPWDA. Please visit goodwinfuneralhome.com, where you may leave a condolence.