November 16, 2011
Ramon Laughter, or “The Colonel” as he was respectfully known throughout Montgomery County, was a native Texan who dedicated his life in service to his country and community. He spent his early years in Edna, Texas, and graduated from Edna High School. He spent time working in ranching and home building before enlisting in the United States Army during World War II. This began a long and distinguished military career.
Colonel Laughter began his career in the US Army. He transitioned to the Army Air Corps, and finally completed his 25-year career in the US Air Force retiring at the rank of full colonel. He served during two wars, World War II in the Pacific, and then in Korea. He was awarded, among many other decorations, the Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service Medal.
The Colonel was a key player in the original plans and design of the Airborne Warning and Control System, known as the AWACS aircraft. He spent most of his career in Military Intelligence, Electronics, and Avionics.
One of his favorite tours of duty was his time with 6th ATAF in Izmir, Turkey, where he lived for 2 years with his wife, Reba, and their three children during the late 1950’s.
Following his retirement from the U.S. Air Force, Col. Laughter moved back to his home state of Texas and joined his brother in ownership of a printing company in Houston. After selling the company, Ramon and his wife, Reba, built a retirement home in 1972 in Montgomery County on land that had been in the family for over a century. They immediately became well known fixtures in the community providing decades of leadership in the Montgomery Historical Society and other local organizations. He was also instrumental in the uniting of the Lake Conroe Area and the Greater Conroe Area Chambers of Commerce into one powerful organization that exists today.
CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS
- Montgomery Historical Society – Chairman
- Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce – Board of Directors
- Greater Conroe/Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce – Board of Directors
- Montgomery County Appraisal Review Board – Chairman
- Master Mason with 50 year pin
- Military Academy Selection Board for three U.S. Congressman (Joe Barton, Jack Fields and Kevin Brady)
Ramon and Reba Laughter were married for 65+ years and have three children, seven grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren (and counting). Colonel Laughter passed away in 2017.
