Hello Friends & Family!

2:30 a.m. - Sept 22, 2024 - Gayle has finished her earthly journey and is now in the Arms of our Lord - Jesus Christ.      As she made the transition ... she heard those words:  "Well Done, Good & Faithful Servant".

We will do a memorial service at Paoli Christian Church this week ... details posted once they are worked out.

I'll attempt to paste an obituary here ... until then, off line for a bit.  Thank you all, and love everyone!

Bill 

Obituary - Anita Gayle Cope (Laughlin)
   
Birth: 12/27/1944 in New Orleans, LA
Death: 9/22/2024 in Paoli, IN
Parents: Forrest Glenn Cope & Mary Elizabeth Gobbel Cope
Married: William C Laughlin (1992)
Children: Craig Kinzer (son) and his wife Angie
Grandchildren: Madison & Zachary Kinzer
Proceeded in Death: Forrest Cope (father); Mary Cope (mother) 

Education: Paoli HS (1962); 
Indiana University (1966);  
Indiana University (1972)

Employment: 
Clark Elementary School (Louisville – 1966-1967); 
New Albany /  Floyd Schools Corporation (1967-1976); 
South Spencer Schools (1978-1980); 
Springs Valley Schools (1982-1985); 
Paoli Community Schools (1986 to retirement in 2007).

Church Membership: Paoli Christian Church (since 1963)

Early Bio
Gayle Laughlin was born in New Orleans, LA on December 27, 1944 … following her father’s discharge from the US Navy (served in WWII Pacific Theater).  Growing up in Paoli, Indiana, Gayle began her early education the Lowe’s one-room country schoolhouse near Young’s Creek. When she was in the 6th grade, she moved to the town school and began clarinet lessons in the band program, under the direction of Harold Iverson.  By the time Gayle was in the 7th grade, she was the 1st chair clarinet player in the high school band, a post she held the next 5 years until graduation.  In 1962, she placed in the Indiana Bandmasters All-State Band (held in Goshen, IN that year), and, earned scholarships to both the Indiana University Summer Program, and the Stephen Foster Music Camp.EducationAfter High School, Gayle attended Eastern Kentucky University for 1 year, and then transferred to Indiana University in Bloomington.  While at IU, she played in the Wind Ensemble for 3 years.  Gayle graduated from IU with a BME degree in 1966, along with the distinction of “Bands Woman of the Year”.  In 1972, Gayle completed her graduate degree (MA) from IU.Professional ExperienceGayle Laughlin began her teaching career in the “West End” of Louisville for one year.  From there, she moved to the New Albany – Floyd County School system, where she taught for 7 years with her 1st husband Larry Kinzer.  While at New Albany, Gayle and Larry established the “Highlander Band Tradition” of the new Floyd Central High School.  After Floyd, Gayle spent 2 years assisting the band programs of South Spencer and Springs Valley before returning to Paoli, where she became the assistant band director for the next 22 years.  Directors whom Gayle taught with include Larry Kinzer, Arthur Ayde, John Aylsworth, Mark Middleton and Bill Laughlin.  Notable achievements of the Paoli Band Program during Gayle’s tenure include consistent “Superior” ratings for her Elementary bands at the ISSMA concert band festival, 13 State High School Marching Band Championships, and many of her private students earning positions in All-State Bands, University Bands and the Military Bands.Personal and Faith ExperiencesGayle Laughlin (Thompson at that time) was involved in the decision to hire Bill Laughlin as the new Director of Bands for the Paoli Community Schools in 1988.  In 1992, they were married and had the wonderful opportunity to “team teach” the fantastic students of Paoli in the band program.  This lasted until Gayle’s retirement from full time teaching in 2007, but continued on a part-time basis until 2012 (full retirement).  Gayle (and her family) were part of the charter group of members at the Paoli Christian Church.  During the years of marriage to Bill, she served on the musical Worship Team as a piano player.

Awards & Recognitions• 
1962 All State Band• 
1966 “Bands Woman” of the Year (Indiana University)• 
2004 induction to the Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity• 
2015 induction to the Phi Beta Mu / Indiana Bandmasters “Hall of Fame”.• 
2018  “Grand Marshall” (with Bill) of the Paoli Fall Festival Parade

Family:  Gayle Laughlin was blessed with a Son, Craig Kinzer, Daughter In-Law, Angie Kinzer; and her grandchildren: Madison & Zachary.  

One of Gayle’s most treasured accomplishments is having a 22 year teaching career in the same music program with her husband and partner – Bill Laughlin.  Gayle and Bill still resided in Paoli, had several Old English Sheepdogs together and were members of the music ministry at Paoli Christian Church.

Closing Remarks:  Although Gayle had “retired,” she never stopped teaching - continuing private lessons and woodwind sectionals with the Paoli Band program.  As “Band” had been a part of her life since the 6th Grade, Gayle would like to say “Thank You” to all of the friends and family who had shared in this mission of education to our community, and – to all of the fantastic students and families over the years that had made her career of music education the most “wonderful profession imaginable”.

Memorial Service: Paoli Christian Church - TBA 
Final Arrangement: Cremation
Donations: Orange County Humane Society