On July 28, 2018, Melvin Ray Vaughn, 82, surrounded by his loving family, completed his journey on Earth and passed peacefully on to the next adventure.
He was born on January 7, 1936, to Marion and Florence (Woods) Vaughn in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. He married Shari Camp on November 19, 1958, and they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this fall.
Mel loved his family, basketball, and Democratic politics. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1958-1960, then attended Oakland City University. Upon graduation in December, 1962, he taught math for the next 31 years, beginning his career in Enfield and Albion, Illinois, but soon getting hired by Wabash District 348.
A former guard for the Mt. Carmel High School Aces (1949-1953) and team captain his senior year, Mel coached 8th grade boys’ basketball for 17 years. He loved coaching and found it to be a truly rewarding experience. He was named “District Coach of the Year” by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association in 1977.
For many summers, he participated in men’s softball, playing for Gallatin’s Market. He also played church basketball and was still shooting (and making) baskets well into his seventies.
After retirement - “Out the door in ‘94!” - he got to concentrate on his most beloved role yet: “Grandpa” to Beau, Molly, Trevor, and Tessa. He also had time to enjoy restoring his ‘55 Chevy, watching the Utah Jazz, meeting up with friends for coffee and spirited discussion, and, most of all, being with Shari. His faith was essential to his life, and he was a devoted, lifelong member of the First General Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Florence; sister, Phyllis Lagow; father- and mother-in-law, Harold and Gwendolyn Camp; sister-in-law, Mary Lou (Camp) Zimmerman and husband, Ron; and two sons-in-law, Mike Hargrave and Rick Henson.
He goes ahead of his wife and helpmate, Shari; daughters Melinda Henson and Cindy (Steve) Yonaka; grandchildren Beau (Nicole Von Buelow) and Molly Henson and Trevor and Tessa Hargrave; brother Mike Vaughn; brother-in-law Jim Lagow; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from noon to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 2, in the Chapel of Short Funeral Home with the service at 2:00. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First General Baptist Church Building Fund.
Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com
Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve Mel’s family.
