Patrick Joseph McLoughlin, age 79, of Decatur, IL, passed away peacefully at home on August 10, 2025.

Born on August 12, 1945, in Decatur, Pat was adopted by Joseph and Thelma McLaughlin and spent his life deeply rooted in the community he loved.

A proud graduate and Valedictorian of Eisenhower High School (Class of 1963), Pat went on to earn both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Illinois. It was at Eisenhower where he first met Betty Wilcott—they attended homecoming together in 1962. Years later, they reconnected at his 25th high school reunion, and from that moment on, they were inseparable. Pat and Betty married on July 8, 1989, beginning a beautiful chapter of shared love and devotion.

Pat dedicated his career to education, teaching mathematics at Taft High School in Cincinnati, University High School in Champaign—where he also coached girls’ basketball—Stephen Decatur High School until its closure in 2000, and finally MacArthur High School, where he retired in 2008. He also coached elementary YMCA basketball, nurturing young athletes with the same care he gave his students.

Known for his dry wit, signature gray hair and mustache, and his daily uniform of khaki pants paired with a white short-sleeve shirt and tie, Pat was a beloved figure in the classroom. His monotone delivery and deadpan humor earned him comparisons to Ben Stein’s character in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, often echoed by students with the phrase, “Anyone? Anyone?”

Pat was a devoted stepfather to David Fishel Jr., Debbie Bogle-Leonard (Patrick), and Becki Evans (Jeff), loving each of them as his own. He was a proud grandfather to McKenzie Fishel-May (Jordan), Addison Bogle, Doyle Nave III, Jackson Fishel, Lauren Fishel, Kane Evans, and Charlotte Evans. He enthusiastically supported their basketball teams and cherished taking them to games at the University of Illinois and Illinois State.

He leaves behind his loving family, his best friend Stephen C. Young, his cherished classmates from Eisenhower High School’s Class of 1963, and the countless students whose lives he touched.

We welcome all friends, family and former students to a Celebration of Life on September 13, 2025, from 1-4pm at the Beach House in Decatur.

Pat loved the outdoors, camping in Michigan, animals of all kinds, every genre of music, and the game of tennis. He was generous to a fault and supported many causes close to his heart. Two organizations remained especially meaningful to him throughout his life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

• Humane Society of Decatur and Macon County 3373 North Woodford, Decatur, IL 62526
• United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois 201 West Eldorado, Decatur, IL 62522

As we say goodbye, we remember the quiet strength that defined a life well lived. In Pat’s valedictorian speech, he offered a prayer that now echoes as a final blessing:

“Thank you for the privilege of being able to be in this position. Help guide and direct all of us that we may be better Christians, trying to help one another and to work with one another.” Astronaut Gordon Cooper