Bro. Nathaniel McLaughlin, Jr.

Politician and retired healthcare executive Nathaniel W. McLaughlin, Jr. born on November 9, 1953 in Laurinburg, North Carolina was called home on June 29, 2021. After graduating from high school, Nathaniel received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He did undergraduate and graduate studies at Wake Forest University.

He joined Marriott Management Services in 1980 and rose through the ranks to District Executive for what is now Sodexo Healthcare Services. He was responsible for overseeing the company’s healthcare operations in Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Northeast Oklahoma, South Dakota, North Dakota and Iowa. This outstanding opportunity is what brought him to the midwest in 1983. His connections brought him to masonry.

Nathaniel was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on April 25, 1992 as a member of Prudence Lodge No. 6, Jurisdiction of Kansas. He served as a Junior Warden and Senior Warden in Prudence Lodge #6 after being raised. He was elected and served as Worshipful Master of Prudence Lodge #6 during annual elections on December 11, 1997 thru December 10, 1998. In June 2013, Bro. Nathaniel McLaughlin 33° was elected and installed as the 39th Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Kansas, which was established in 1875. The highest honor that can be achieved by a Master Mason.

In addition to his Masonic career, Nathaniel is a dedicated leader in the community. He served the community of Kansas City, Kansas as Chairman of the Wyandotte County Black Democratic Caucus. He represented the 8th district of Wyandotte County as Commissioner on the Kansas City, Kansas Housing Authority from 2005-2011. He served as president of the state and local National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) chapters.

In 2016, Nathaniel ran for Congress, finishing second in a three-person Democratic primary in the 3rd District in the Kansas City area.

Recognition and Awards: Black Man of Distinction Award from Friends of Yates, Inc (2006); Community Involvement Honoree Award from Metropolitan Baptist Church, Kansas City, Kansas (2008); Community Hero Award from Bethel SDA Church, Kansas City, Kansas (2009) Notable Accomplishments: Establishment of the Masonic Information and Technology Department; Establishment of the N.W. McLaughlin Scholarship Educational Assistance Fund.

Nathaniel leaves to cherish his memories; his wife Renee Ponder McLaughlin; one daughter; Natalie Krugjohn of Leawood, KS (Daniel Krugjohn, husband); two sons Nathaniel McLaughlin III of Dallas, TX (Akilah McLaughlin, wife), Marcus McLaughlin esquire of Mission, KS; step-children Rytina Kerns of Kansas City, MO (Wayne Kerns, husband); Seneca Brown of Kansas City, MO; Nezester Ponder of Kansas City, MO; three sisters Joyce Ann McLeod, Shirley McLeod and Gloria McLaughlin; Sisters-in-Law, Sheliah Ponder Hemphill (William Hemphill) and Pamela McGee (Rodger McGee) numerous grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

                               “Life is a gift, love is a gift, and when both are bestowed, you have a life well-lived.”
 

Funeral service will be held  Saturday, July 10, 2021, 12:00pm at Watkins Heritage Chapel. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10am-12pm at the chapel. Masonic ceremonial 11:00am at the chapel. Service conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website. This facility requires social distancing and face coverings indoors.