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A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice or the Butler Senior Center Meals on Wheels. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
He was born on September 7, 1939 in Newkirk, OK, the son of Samuel O. Vaughn Sr. and Mary M. Copple Vaughn.
Richard was a dedicated family man, Navy veteran, and accomplished businessman, who passed away leaving behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, and love for his people and community.
Born and raised on a family farm near Elk City, Kansas, Richard developed a strong work ethic and a deep love for farm life. He attended elementary school in Fairview, near Newkirk, and graduated from Elk City High School in 1957. Despite facing the challenge of contracting polio as a child, his determination and resilience were evident throughout his life.
He was born on September 7, 1939 in Newkirk, OK, the son of Samuel O. Vaughn Sr. and Mary M. Copple Vaughn.
Richard was a dedicated family man, Navy veteran, and accomplished businessman, who passed away leaving behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, and love for his people and community.
Born and raised on a family farm near Elk City, Kansas, Richard developed a strong work ethic and a deep love for farm life. He attended elementary school in Fairview, near Newkirk, and graduated from Elk City High School in 1957. Despite facing the challenge of contracting polio as a child, his determination and resilience were evident throughout his life.
After high school, Richard followed in his brother Tom's footsteps and proudly served in the Navy. Richard then furthered his business knowledge by attending Coffeyville Junior College in Kansas and Retail Lumber School at Missouri University. He briefly worked at Boeing Aviation in Wichita before beginning his career with Cains Coffee Company as a representative in Wichita. After a year, he transitioned to the lumber industry with the Caney Lumber Company and eventually became the manager of the Golden City branch of Bolivar Lumber Company in 1961.
In 1977, Richard’s dedication and leadership led him to found Vaughn’s Price Rite Lumber and Crating Appleton City, where his efforts were recognized with a National Dealer Award, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit and hard work. He spread the business to Butler in 1983, and opened another branch.
Among the above successes, he created a patent for spools purchased by 3M, partnered with Gerald Cross from Appleton City to open Cross Motors, and found a passion for flying by earning his pilot’s license in the late 1970’s. He partnered with 3 friends (Roger Schooley, Bill Alexander, & Edith Lambert) to purchase an airplane to influence his interest of aviation.
Richard was a valued member of the community, actively participating in the Golden City Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce. He was admired for his generosity, dedication, and commitment to those around him.
He cherished spending time on his family farm near Elk City, where he enjoyed the peacefulness of country life and caring for his animals. Richard loved Sunday dinners with his family, taking long country drives, and collecting antique automobiles, always finding joy in life’s simple pleasures.
He shared a deep bond with his beloved significant other, Robin, and their blended family of children and grandchildren, whom he adored until his final days.
Richard’s energy, dedication, and love for life will continue to inspire those who knew him. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished, his contributions to the community, and the many lives he touched along the way.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Kimberly Vaughn-Lovelle, parents Samuel and Mary Vaughn, brothers Thomas and Samuel Vaughn Jr., and sister Ruth Louise. Survivors include Robin Timme Thurman of the home, Tim Vaugh of Elk City, MO; Wayne Vaughn (Karen) of Elk City, MO; David (Nicole) Thurman of Adrian, MO; Levi (Samantha) of Great Falls, MT; Gib (Nicole) Thurman of Emporia, KS; Brooke (Dylan) Ebert of St. Louis, MO; Son-in-law Nate Lovelle of Broken Arrow, 10 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.
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