Robert Larry Vaught, 74, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away on July 18, 2024, at Indiana University Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana, surrounded by his family.

Robert was born to the late Vern and Ruby (Jordan) Vaught on March 18, 1950, in Bossier, Louisiana. He graduated from Lawrenceville High School in 1968 and then enlisted in the US Navy. Bob served on two different ships during his time in the Navy, the USS Chemung, and the Kansas City. He traveled throughout the United States and into other countries which included Cuba, Panama Canal, Hawaii, Acapulco Mexico, Guam, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the Philippians. Bob also had four tours of duty in Vietnam on the South China Sea. In 1974, he received an honorable discharge from the Navy and married Georgia Wise on July 20, 1974. They enjoyed 50 years of marriage together.

Left to cherish Bob’s memory are his wife, Georgia; children, Kristi (Lee) Applebey and Jason (Abby) Vaught both of Mount Carmel, Illinois; four grandchildren; Kylie (Austin) Murk, Kaleb Applebey, Emily Vaught, and Hannah Vaught; a great grandchild, Kinzlie Rose Murk; a sister, Rose Seitzinger of Lawrenceville, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews. Bob is proceeded in death by his parents and his sister Carol Sue Vaught.

After being discharged from the Navy, Bob went to Wabash Valley College graduating with an associate degree while working for Snap-On Tools in Mt. Carmel. Upon the closing of the plant, and working 27 years there, he left Snap-On Tools. Bob went to work for Toyota Tsusho Manufacturing, retiring in 2017. He was a member of Parkview Christian Church. Bob was a lifetime member of the VFW. He loved coaching his son in sports and continued in Jr. League Football. Bob loved attending his grandkids’ events and never missed a game. He was an avid outdoorsman: he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and going on his daily rides to the river camp. Bob also loved to travel whether it was with his family or his friends.

Visitation will be held Thursday, July 25, 2024, at Parkview Christian Church from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with pastor Mark Richison officiating. Entombment will follow at the Garden Mausoleum in Highland Memorial Cemetery with military honors by the Mt. Carmel Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made to Mt. Carmel Animal Shelter or Parkview Christian Church. Envelopes will be available.

Condolences may be sent to www.short-cunninghamfh.com

Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve Bob’s family.