Lake Milton volunteer couple honored

COLUMBUS — Murle and Kaye McLaughlin of Lake Milton were honored by Frances Strickland, Ohio’s first lady, for their 52 years of marriage and their volunteer activities on Valentine’s Day at the Governor’s Mansion.

The McLaughlins were nominated for the honor by Susan Gans, director of the Senior Independence Senior Center, 1110 Fifth Avenue in Youngstown, of which the McLaughlins are members.

The award, called “Joined Hearts in Giving,” honored 25 couples married at least 40 years, who share a commitment to community service and volunteerism.

“Murle and Kaye are not your everyday volunteers,” Gans said. “They do not seek fame and recognition but are quiet, steady givers to the community at large. They don’t limit themselves, and arise whenever the call for help is sounded; it’s a way of life for them.”

The McLaughlins’ activities include volunteering together at the Lake Milton Fire Department since 1946 and facilitating events at the Lake Milton American Legion lodge nearly every day since 1947.

They also volunteer at the Lake Milton Presbyterian Church, Lake Milton State Park, the local Boy Scouts Club, and the VA Clinic in Youngstown. Murle is a Navy veteran of World War II.