Buck was a wonderful person. His love of children and support of the Red Oak community will be deeply missed. While we have lost a beautiful soul and advocate for children on Earth, our children now have a wonderful angel in Heaven. Our prayers are with Buck and his family. Kevin, Angie, Conor and Caitlin Britten Submitted by: Angie Britten of Red Oak,IA -- angiebritten@gmail.com -- 5/21/2011

Buck was a tremendous person. Always upbeat and generous, he was a cheerleader for those he taught and those he loved. He shined warm and bright, and will not be forgotten. Submitted by: Molly Reagan Axt of Kirkland,WA -- mollyreagan@gmail.com -- 5/21/2011

Buck was a wonderful school administrator. My 2 youngest children had him in grade school when we lived in Red Oak. He will be greatly missed by all!! Prayers to his family & friends. God Bless you all. Submitted by: Deb Hart of Atlantic,IA -- debhart@q.com -- 5/21/2011

Words cannot express how deeply saddened our family is upon hearing of the passing of Mr. Laughlin. The hardest thing was telling our 6 yr old who just finished his kindergarten year. Even though he only experienced the loving, caring attitude of Mr. Laughlin for a short time, he was very saddened when I told him of his passing. Many lives were touched by the selflessness he shared with the Red Oak community. I pray for peace for the family he leaves behind. I also pray for the many lives who will never get to experience the dedication he displayed to the students of the Red Oak community. Submitted by: Dave, Mary, Ted, and Sam Fields of Red Oak,Iowa -- maryhfields@yahoo.com -- 5/21/2011

Our dearest heartfelt condolances for the loss of an exceptional man,friend,& educator. Thank you for always being their for our children & us parents you truly will be missed Not forgotten. Love you my precious friend,rest in peace. God Bless your family & many friends! ! Submitted by: Dennell,Phoenix, Cydney,Collin&EmmaHarris of Waxahachie,Texas -- dennellharris@yahoo.com -- 5/22/2011

Bucky, we will never forget you. You touched the hearts of so many people in our community and your legacy lives in each of them. Rest in Peace my friend your work on this earth is done, but your memory and teaching will live forever. Blessings to family and those who celebrate his life. Steve and Kathy Submitted by: Steve and Kathy Roberts of Red Oak,IA -- steveroberts@mchsi.com -- 5/22/2011

Buck was always smiling and when he greeted my family, he always knew our name. He was a good man who loved kids and loved his job. God broke the mold when he made Buck. He will be truly missed. Our prays will be with his family, staff and the kids. Submitted by: Jeff, Tanya, Luke and Melanie Ross of Red Oak,Iowa -- tanyaross92@gmail.com -- 5/22/2011

The school will never be the same without u. Always with a smile and hug we were all so lucky to have an amazing person in our childrens lives. You are forever missed. Thank you for loving the children so much. Submitted by: Goodman of Red,Iowa -- Goodman7@swccg~spartans.com -- 5/22/2011

I can not express in words what Buck has meant to me. I had the pleasure of sitting across from him at the Iowa football games. He was so kind to our family as my dad passed away this summer of colon cancer. He was caring enough to make us embroidered hats with my dad's intials on them to wear to the Hawkeye games. I will miss his great charisma! Submitted by: Emily of Coralville,Iowa -- emknight96@gmail.com -- 5/22/2011

Mr Laughlin has a special place in our hearts. Our grandchildren never wanted to leave Inman school because it was so full of kind caring people which showed who he was as their leader. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Submitted by: The Demanett family of Shenandoah,IA -- rogranny210@hotmail.com -- 5/22/2011

Fred will be greatly missed by his friends in Knoxville. He was a great teacher and principal here. We usually saw him every fall at a Hawkeye game! Our three kids loved him as their principal and Fred always kept up on what they were doing. Rest in Peace Submitted by: Jim and Susan Hicks of Knoxville,Iowa -- jimsusanhicks@gmail.com -- 5/22/2011

I am very saddened to hear about the passing of Buck. He was a wonderful man and educator. All children who came into contact with him were VERY fortuante. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the entire community who lost a great friend. Submitted by: Amanda Devito of Red,IA -- amanda@hdteledata.com -- 5/23/2011

Mr. Laughlin was a super person! I worked with him at C & M. He was a great Principal & knew every student & was always cheering them on. He loved Beanie-Weanie Day & always entertained the kids at lunch! Prayers to his family! Submitted by: Cheryl Christensen of Cumberland,IA -- windyaf@netins.net -- 5/23/2011

Fred was a great role model for all of us who chose to become school leaders. I know he made a significant difference in Knoxville as a teacher and administrator. He wiil be missed as a SAI member. Submitted by: Ken Howard Jr. of Remsen,IA -- khoward@remsen-union.k12.ia.us -- 5/23/2011

Buck was indeed a great educator and a great person - his passion for helping kids will be missed Submitted by: Dennis Heiman of Mediapolis ,Iowa -- heimand@mepoedu.org -- 5/23/2011

Though my heart is heavy and sad, my family and I only have the most wonderful memories of our Uncle Buck. His contagious laugh, genuine smile, and his love of people will be forever cherished. We were so blessed to know him as we did and grateful to have had him in our lives. Submitted by: Sarah Hermeling of Northbrook,IL -- shermeling@comcast.net -- 5/23/2011

I had the opportunity to meet Buck at a workshop back in 1994. Every year following, I looked forward to talking with him at SAI. What a great man and an inspiration to all of us working in education! Submitted by: Matt Adams of Ankeny,Iowa -- matt.adams@ankenyschools.org -- 5/23/2011

I had the pleasure of meeting Bucky at Northeast Missouri State where we both received our admin. degrees. As a fellow administrator it was very obvious that he had a passion for kids. I will miss his smile as well as his freindship. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Submitted by: Ned Sellers- Supt. West Marshall of State Center,Iowa -- nsellers@po-1.w-marshall.k12.ia.us -- 5/23/2011

I got acquainted with Buck through Iowa Reading. He often attended the conference in DesMoines and was a true example of a leader in education, and a cheerleader for literacy. I had the honor of being invited to speak at a parent involvment meeting at his school in Red Oak many years ago and experienced first hand the love and devotion he had for his students, staff and parents. His death is a great lost of us all. Buck, your memory will live forever. Lori Vicker Submitted by: Lori Vicker of Spirit lake,Iowa -- lkvicker@gmail.com -- 5/23/2011

I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF BUCKS PASSING..HE WAS THE SHINNING LIGHT AT INMAN, AND WILL BE MISSED BY MANY.. MIKE,LORI,TANNER AND ELISE LUKEHART Submitted by: lori lukehart of red oak,ia -- lllukeheart@iowatelecom.net -- 5/23/2011

When you talked to Buck about being an educator, you walked away knowing that every child who crossed his path was a better, luckier person...because of Buck. A great man who will be greatly missed! Submitted by: Joel Hunzelman of Waverly,Iowa -- jhunzelman@oelwein.k12.ia.us -- 5/23/2011

I don't believe that Buck ever knew a stranger. His smile and caring made him a genuine pleasure to know. He will be missed by so many and will live on in the lives he touched. Submitted by: Marcia Allen of Corning,Iowa -- johnboy01@frontiernet.net -- 5/23/2011

He was a dear friend and mentor, and will be missed by many of us who were fortunate enough to know and love him! My thoughts are with his family and all the Red Oak kids who will not have a chance to know him! Submitted by: Lou Ann of Des Moines,IA -- mcclainl@urbandale.k12.ia.us -- 5/23/2011

Buck was a tremendous individual who will be greatly missed. Take solace in knowing that his pain is over now and and take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on for decades. He touched hundreds, if not thousands, of lives and always will be remembered as the ever-smiling, ever-upbeat Mr. Laughlin, the principal who knew every child's name! Submitted by: Jan Castle Renander of Red Oak,IA -- renanderjc@aol.com -- 5/23/2011

My heart is so heavy today after hearing of the passing of my dear friend Buck! I had the privledge of being a fellow administrator with him in Area 14 for 15 years. I also served with him on the Board of the Young Writer's Conference. There was never a more dedicated administrator to make a difference in children's lives! I retired 8 years ago and did not realize Buck was sick. I am honored to have called him my friend! Submitted by: Lana Bearden of Creston,IA -- lbearden@iowatelecom.net -- 5/23/2011

Mr Laughlin will be truly missed, He was one of the few school administrators that really cared about the kids. My children use to always run up and give him a hug when they were young. Submitted by: Cerene Lane of red oak,Iowa -- cerenelane@hotmail.com -- 5/23/2011

Buck, my first principal, taught me what it was to be a teacher of kids, not just a teacher of music. His passion for learning was evident every time he visited my classroom and participated like he was one of the students. I'll never forget "Buck's Bargain Bag" at all of our staff meetings. He found little ways to make life fun, and always reminded us to not sweat the small stuff....because it's all small stuff. Submitted by: Pat and Angi Swan of Olympia,WA -- paswan@q.com -- 5/24/2011

Fred was my uncle. The summer after my 5th grade in 1977 I kept him company as we drove my Great Aunt back to her home in California. I had just moved from one school district to another and was struggling with math. Fred had me practice math basics in the car the whole way home from CA! He made it fun and silly and we laughed. But mostly I remember feeling he truly cared about my success. The first thing he would always say to me when I’d see him would be, “How’s school going Jaynie?” He continued the same first question even after I had children: “How’re the kids doing in school Jaynie?” I knew in 1977 when Fred had just started his career that he would be a FUN, AMAZING, GIFTED, CARING, etc. etc. teacher and I’m happy to see he touched many lives with his passion for teaching. Submitted by: Jayne Calmer of Boone,IA -- calmerj@gmail.com -- 5/24/2011

I am so saddened by Buck's passing. He always impressed me with how much he cared about kids. After Inman school was redone several years ago, I commented to a staff member about the amazing decorations in the school. She told me that Buck had bought them with his own money. It was just another way he showed how much he cared about "his kids". There are not many administrators like Buck. He will be greatly missed. Red Oak schools will never be the same without him. Submitted by: Valorie Caputo of Creston,IA -- vcaputo@ghaea.org -- 5/24/2011

Buck was a great neighbor,patient, principal and friend He will be missed in so many ways. Our thoughts are with the family now. Submitted by: Clarissa of Red,Ia -- clarissanewlon@live.com -- 5/24/2011

I am a retired elementary principal in Sioux City. I started my ed. career with Bucky at an inservice for beginning principals in Des Moines in 1983. We enjoyed seeing each other at SAI yearly meeting to compare our school progress. He loved his job. God bless him and his family. Jean Carlson Sioux City Submitted by: Jean of Sioux City,Iowa -- Denny@cableone.net -- 5/24/2011

Fred will be missed; it was a pleasure to work in the Knoxville system with him; such a dedicated educator! Our thoughts and prayers are with you Lucky and Beulah and family. Submitted by: David Thomas of Knoxville,Iowa -- davandkt@yahoo.com -- 5/24/2011

Buck was a great person who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was always very supportive and was influential in my life. When I was going through my own health issues, he was supportive and helped me through it. Rest in Peace. Submitted by: Ian Latella of Albuquerque,NM -- pituophian@gmail.com -- 5/24/2011

Fred was a wonderful educator, and a very special person...he will be missed. He was a great help to his students. Submitted by: Lorna Thomas of Knoxville,IA -- lornat140@gmail.com -- 5/24/2011

As someone said: "Our children will have a wonderful angel in heaven." Bucky was dedicated to everything he did and to everyone he worked with. We've lost an outstanding educator. Submitted by: George Wm. Holland of Dubuque,Iowa -- dutchboygwh@gmail.com -- 5/24/2011

What a treat it was to read all the wonderful on-line comments celebrating Fred's life and his relationship with students, families and friends. It was obvious that he touched many lives in a very real, very personal and very special way. I didn't know Fred as an educator; I knew him as a boyhood family friend. We both came from special families; families whose lives were intertwined in times of tragedy and in other times of joy. It was a treat knowing Fred as a young man, and seeing him sporadically as an adult. The adult was the same as the boy...friendly, caring, funny, and genuinely concerned about others. He died much too soon and will clearly be missed by many. But like lots of good people, he leaves a wonderful legacy in the lives that he affected and guided. Lots of people are walking this planet who are better people because they knew Fred, and learned from him. My sympathies to family and friends. John Hale, Ankeny Iowa Submitted by: John Hale of Ankeny,Iowa -- hale_johnd@msn.com -- 5/24/2011

Mr.Laughlin will be greatly missed by many of us in Knoxville. He was a great teacher and got to many of students early to make us life long Hawkeye fans. He will be remembered fondly. RIP Fred. Submitted by: Joe Herwehe of Knoxville ,Iowa -- jherwehe@gmail.com -- 5/25/2011

Fred was a wonderful brother in law. He loved the Hawkeyes and made sure his brother Jon had Hawkeyes hats and tshirts. He was an important part of a wonderful family. He loved his students, his family and his friends. He will sadly be missed by everyone that touched his life. I love you Fred and I know Jon was happy to see you. Submitted by: Terri Laughlin of Safford,AZ -- diamondbackgirl@cableone.net -- 5/25/2011

I was truly saddened to hear about Mr Laughlin's passing. The Red Oak Community School District will never be quite the same without him. He loved all his kids as if they were his own. Rest assured he is spreading his wings up in heaven as he did on this earth. God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn. Submitted by: Rhonda Oakleaf of Red Oak,IA -- mdorso96@msn.com -- 5/25/2011

All I have seen coming across my screen beginning Saturday is our Simpson classmates "posts" on Buck. Barb, you will get to see these very soon. Blessing of grace to you and family, Brian Submitted by: Brian Selck of Waverly,Iowa -- brian.selck@gmail.com -- 5/26/2011

Fred was truly one of a kind. Always a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone he met. I am so glad that I could call him a friend. Until we meet again Buck. Submitted by: Mary Hauser of Fergus Falls,MN -- hauser@prtel.com -- 5/26/2011

I use to be at Imman School in 3rd grade. I remembered that when I won a bike he came and gave me a hug. He will be missed very much. My family met him but they miss him too. He cared for the children. I wish for Mr.Laughlin's family good luck for their life and sorry for your lose he was a very good man. Submitted by: Brooklin Neligh of Red Oak,Iowa -- nutnurse@netins.net -- 5/26/2011

I remember when your family lived a couple of blocks from our family (Shore)Jon & Barb I remembered the most! I wanted to express my deepest sympathy to Fred's family. It sounds like Fred made a wonderful impact on family & friends. Fred was a little younger but I do remember how much fun we all had!! My sincere sympathy Submitted by: Nancy Vanderah of Marshalltown,Iowa -- rinava@mchsi.com -- 5/26/2011

I had the good fortune to meet Buck through my brother and sister-in-law, Marty & Vivian Pennock. When he found I was from Marshalltown and went to school with Barb we had an instant connection. Marty said he was honored to work with Buck and be his friend. When we lost Marty in 2008 Buck drove from Red Oak to Missouri Valley on a freezing night in January with an injured foot to express his condolences to Vivian and say goodbye to his friend. My husband Kenny & I had no idea that would be the last time we saw him. Reading the other posts I know his legacy will be carried on by everyone whose life he touched. The world is a much better place because Buck was in it. Submitted by: Janet Crowther-Jensen of Marshalltown,Iowa -- sundog@mailmis.com -- 5/26/2011

I only knew him as "Uncle Fred". He was the one that made Thanksgiving's and Christmas special. That spirit and energy is rare. He died young but he lived a fuller life than most. Thanks Uncle Fred for being such a good party of my childhood. Submitted by: Tracy McKelvey of Phoenix,AZ -- azptracy@gmail.com -- 5/26/2011

Bucky was my principal while I was teaching in Red Oak many years ago. He was so supportive and I always appreciated that fact. Please know I am praying for the family during this difficult time. Submitted by: Dee Johnson of Gravity,Iowa -- farmers.wife2009@hotmail.com -- 5/26/2011

Your loss is shared by many of the Red Oak Community. His kind words will be remembered by many students and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Submitted by: Mike and Carolyn Williams and family of Red Oak,Iowa -- willy1ro@yahoo.com -- 5/27/2011

mr laughlin was the best principle ever. he knew how to teach kids and inspire them. i remember back in 2nd grade and we were sitting in the hallway reading my favorite book, green eggs and ham. he will be dearly missed! Submitted by: tiffany briggs of red oak,iowa -- tiffyb81@hotmail.com -- 6/19/2011