IN MEMORY OF
Reverend David Frederick DeLaughter
09-15-1929 - 05-04-2026
Funeral Information
Location:
Damascus Missionary Baptist Church
Date: 05-15-2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Time: 11:00 AM
Visitation Information
Location:
Damascus Missionary Baptist Church
Date:
Time:
Time:
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Obituary
The life of David Frederick DeLaughter began September 15, 1929, as the second child of Albert and Roberta DeLaughter. Reverend DeLaughter’s education began in the public school system of Madison County and extended to multiple certifications as a Media Specialist at North Florida College.
At an early age he made a commitment to Christ as Lord, that served as the foundation for lifelong service to the church and Madison County community. Major milestones in a life of service include
ordination as a deacon for Damascus Baptist Church, call to pastorate for New Canaan, Damascus and St. James Missionary Baptist Churches.
During each pastorate Reverend DeLaughter led respective congregations in significant growth of offerings to the community as well as development of physical facilities. Across a collective ministry spanning more than 30 years, he emphasized Christian education, community service, youth development and active involvement in the political process as vehicles to improve the lives of citizens in Madison County and surrounding jurisdictions. As an example of exemplary leadership in the spiritual domain, Reverend DeLaughter mentored several aspiring ministers who are now serving as pastors or have served as pastors. Additionally, as President of the Madison County Ministers, Deacons and Laymen’s Training Union, he provided stellar modeling for current and aspiring pastors. The effect of his impactful leadership of the Union was on full display when this gathering of like-minded churches suspended term limit provisions in the bylaws and encouraged Reverend DeLaughter to lead as long as the Lord allowed.
His contributions to the Madison County community are not limited to the religious domain. As one of several founding members of the Madison County Recreation Association, he worked tirelessly to bring wholesome recreational opportunities to the youth of Madison County. He was also an energetic advocate for North Florida College.
Reverend DeLaughter met his future bride, Charlye Elizabeth McDonald at a school in the Crossroads community where her mother, Hannah McDonald worked as a teacher. Five children were born to this union: Daveta (David Wilson, deceased), Donald (Gloria), Charles (Linda), Michael (Jackie), and Robin (Terry). Reverend and MrMrs. DeLaughter expanded their family by welcoming the two young daughters of his sister Ezel, who transitioned this life at an early age. Joanne and Jenet Tookes matured in the DeLaughter family as two of seven children. From relationships preceding his marriage, Reverend DeLaughter fathered two sons: Lewis Moore (Faye) and James “Red” Williams (deceased) (Nancy). Reverend and MrMrs. DeLaughter also fostered a daughter, Rita Hawkins.
A total of ten children has given birth to an extended family that includes grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and great-great grandchildren. These descendants of Albert ad Roberta DeLaughter honor our past and anticipate a bright future with noteworthy accomplishments that focus on the keystone principle in Reverend DeLaughter’s legacy: community service. Following a long and distinguished career, Reverend DeLaughter transitioned from this life to eternal blessings May 4, 2026. The DeLaughter family mourns our loss while celebrating his gain. We invite you to join us in both the mourning and celebration.
At an early age he made a commitment to Christ as Lord, that served as the foundation for lifelong service to the church and Madison County community. Major milestones in a life of service include
ordination as a deacon for Damascus Baptist Church, call to pastorate for New Canaan, Damascus and St. James Missionary Baptist Churches.
During each pastorate Reverend DeLaughter led respective congregations in significant growth of offerings to the community as well as development of physical facilities. Across a collective ministry spanning more than 30 years, he emphasized Christian education, community service, youth development and active involvement in the political process as vehicles to improve the lives of citizens in Madison County and surrounding jurisdictions. As an example of exemplary leadership in the spiritual domain, Reverend DeLaughter mentored several aspiring ministers who are now serving as pastors or have served as pastors. Additionally, as President of the Madison County Ministers, Deacons and Laymen’s Training Union, he provided stellar modeling for current and aspiring pastors. The effect of his impactful leadership of the Union was on full display when this gathering of like-minded churches suspended term limit provisions in the bylaws and encouraged Reverend DeLaughter to lead as long as the Lord allowed.
His contributions to the Madison County community are not limited to the religious domain. As one of several founding members of the Madison County Recreation Association, he worked tirelessly to bring wholesome recreational opportunities to the youth of Madison County. He was also an energetic advocate for North Florida College.
Reverend DeLaughter met his future bride, Charlye Elizabeth McDonald at a school in the Crossroads community where her mother, Hannah McDonald worked as a teacher. Five children were born to this union: Daveta (David Wilson, deceased), Donald (Gloria), Charles (Linda), Michael (Jackie), and Robin (Terry). Reverend and MrMrs. DeLaughter expanded their family by welcoming the two young daughters of his sister Ezel, who transitioned this life at an early age. Joanne and Jenet Tookes matured in the DeLaughter family as two of seven children. From relationships preceding his marriage, Reverend DeLaughter fathered two sons: Lewis Moore (Faye) and James “Red” Williams (deceased) (Nancy). Reverend and MrMrs. DeLaughter also fostered a daughter, Rita Hawkins.
A total of ten children has given birth to an extended family that includes grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and great-great grandchildren. These descendants of Albert ad Roberta DeLaughter honor our past and anticipate a bright future with noteworthy accomplishments that focus on the keystone principle in Reverend DeLaughter’s legacy: community service. Following a long and distinguished career, Reverend DeLaughter transitioned from this life to eternal blessings May 4, 2026. The DeLaughter family mourns our loss while celebrating his gain. We invite you to join us in both the mourning and celebration.