David Lester Laughner

David Lester Laughner, ABHC (AW), U.S. Navy (Retired), 62, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, at UPMC Carlisle. 

Born on April 17, 1963, in Cherry Point, North Carolina, David was the son of Jean (Murphy) Laughner and the late Major Donald Eugene Laughner, USMC (Retired). 

David proudly served his country in the United States Navy, retiring at the rank of Chief Petty Officer Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Handler Air Warfare Specialist (ABHC AW) after 22 years of honorable and dedicated service. Following his military career, he continued his commitment to public service as a federal police officer at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle. He was later employed by UPMC Carlisle as a Security Officer.

 David was a member of American Legion Post 101 in Carlisle and was a man of deep curiosity and quiet strength. An avid reader and passionate history enthusiast, he especially enjoyed time spent outdoors, whether camping or target shooting. David had a lifelong love of animals and shared a special bond with his beloved dog, Freya. He was a man of Christian faith whose values were reflected in his service, loyalty, and devotion to family. 

David is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Gezelle B. (Varkonyi) Laughner, of Carlisle; his son, Joshua Laughner, and wife Jennifer, of Falls Church, Virginia; his cherished granddaughter, Hannah; his mother, Jean Laughner; and his siblings, Pamela (Laughner) Mann and Douglas E. Laughner, residing in Midwest City, Oklahoma. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Hollinger Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 501 N. Baltimore Avenue, Mt. Holly Springs, Pennsylvania, with Pastor Joel Barrick officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be held privately at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in David’s honor to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306. https://t2t.org/donate/. Arrangements are entrusted to Hollinger Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Mt. Holly Springs, PA. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.HollingerFuneralHome.com.