Charles Robert Vaughn

OLNEY - Charles Robert Vaughn died December 6, 2009 in Olney. Funeral arrangements and visitation were conducted by Summers-Kistler Funeral Home of Olney. A Mass of Christian Burial was held December 9, 2009 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Reverend Father Jerry Wirth officiating. Burial with full military rites was in St. Joseph Cemetery, Olney, Illinois. Mr. Vaughn was born February 17, 1922, in Olney, Illinois, the son of Charles S. and Elsie (Ray) Vaughn. He was known for his quick wit and humor, as well as his kindness, service and support to Richland County. He always claimed his greatest accomplishment was marrying Elizabeth Ann 'Liffet' Gassmann of Olney, December 4, 1943; they had nine children. Vaughn grew up in Olney. After graduating from high school, he attended Millikin University where he was a member of the 1941 and 1942 undefeated football teams. For this he, along with his teammates, was inducted into the Decatur Athletic Council Hall of Fame in 1998. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in December 1941, and after graduating from Millikin a year early, entered training in the summer of 1943. He was a lieutenant with the 5th Amphibious Corps, fought in the battle for Iwo Jima and later served in the occupation of Japan. He was discharged in 1946, and entered law school at the University of Illinois, graduating in 1948. Vaughn started his law practice in Olney, serving as Assistant States Attorney from 1948 to 1952. He was elected States Attorney of Richland County in 1952, and held the office for a total of 24 years (1952-1964 & 1968-1980). He was active in local and state politics, a down-state coordinator for Chuck Percy's campaigns for governor and U.S. senator and was an alternate delegate to the 1964 Republican National Convention. He served as President of the Southeastern IL Counseling Center Board from 1987 to 1989 and was a director and Chairman of the Board of First National Bank in Olney for 35 years. He was a staunch supporter of athletics in Richland County and was the ERHS football announcer for over 30 years. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Olney, VFW, American Legion, Life Member of the Illinois State's Attorneys Association, Illinois State Bar Association, Rotary, Elks Club and the Republican Party. He took great pride in America and in his generation's service. Vaughn loved Millikin's Big Blue, the Fighting Illini, Chicago Bears and he never gave up on the Cubs. Charles R. Vaughn is survived by 8 children: Ann Therese Cravens and husband Mike, Charles Bradley Vaughn and wife Karen, Carol Elizabeth Schafer and husband Robert, Kathleen Vaughn, Allen Zean Vaughn, John Robert Vaughn, Ray Weber Vaughn and wife Marcia, and Frank Edward Vaughn; 22 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Liffet Gassmann Vaughn; daughter, Mary Gertrude Newcomb; his parents Charles S. and Elsie Vaughn; and his brother, Ray Vaughn. Memorials may be made to Richland Memorial Hospital Foundation of Olney or St. Joseph Foundation Trust of Olney. Obituary written by family members. Online guest book at www.legacy.com/herald-review/Obituaries.asp