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Michael L. Vaughn

Michael Vaughn Obituary

Michael L Vaughn February 25, 1948--May 27, 2004 Michael Louis Vaughn, a prominent Valley attorney, died suddenly May 27, 2004, while vacationing with family in Pomona, California. Son of the late George W. Vaughn and late Jean MacDonald Vaughn, Mike was born on February 25, 1948, in Phoenix where he spent his childhood around his father's downtown dental practice. After graduating from West Phoenix High School in 1966, Mike attended Arizona State University, where he earned a B.A. in English in 1970. In 1973, Mike was admitted to the Arizona State Bar shortly after earning his J.D. from St. Mary's University, Texas. At St. Mary's, Mike was Phi Alpha Delta, Editorial Board member, St. Mary's University Law Review, 1972-73. With a legal career spanning three decades, Mike was a member of the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization, Certified Specialist of Criminal Law, and listed in Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, recognizing Mike for his excellence in trial defense work and white-collar crime. Mike was also listed in Marquis, "Who's Who" in American Law. He successfully defended many high profile cases during his career. Alongside his wife, Myrna, he enjoyed music and cooking and was an avid breeder and exhibitor of championship English bulldogs. He is survived by his wife, Myrna, of Gilbert; son, Michael, of Tempe; daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Paul Tanguay, of Colorado; step-daughter and son-in law, Jennifer and Andrew Hartz, of Gilbert; sister and brother-in-law, Zella and Richard Usher, of Phoenix; nieces, Autumn Vaughn, Lauren Usher, and Elizabeth Usher; nephews, Taylor Usher and Daniel Usher; and three grandchildren, Samuel Vaughn Hartz, Olivia Louise Tanguay, and Paige Tyler Tanguay. He was preceded in death by brother, Sanford M. Vaughn. The family requests contributions, in lieu of flowers, to the Criminal Justice Foundation, Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice, 645 North 4th Avenue, Suite B, Phx., AZ 85003-1595. A public memorial service will be held Monday, June 14, 2004 at 5:30 pm at All Saint's Episcopal Church, 6300 N. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic from Jun. 10 to Jun. 14, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Vaughn

20 Entries

ReyDavid Barriga

June 4, 2025

Michael it has been 21 years since you have left us and I still think of you and mention you in conversations.

Anne Baseggio

October 3, 2024

Michael, it's been 20 years since you left us, but you're still on my mind on many occasions. You were my best friend, and I was very close to Myrna also. Oh the memories we made my friend!!! I will love and miss you always and I sure wish I could find Myrna so we could reminisce and swap "Michael" stories like the old days! Thank you for the love and the laughter, Michael, you were truly one of a kind! Myrna, in the event you ever read this, my email address is [email protected] and I would so love to hear from you! Annie

ReyDavid

June 4, 2024

My sincerest condolences to the friends and family of a great Man.

Norma Jean McGrath

July 20, 2023

Thank you for everything, may you rest in peace.

EMJolayemi

September 29, 2022

God rest his soul. Thanks for everything.
-a very grateful client from 30 years ago.

ReyDavid Barriga

June 18, 2022

My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Michael.
Even to this day Michael is mentioned in conversations about his remarkable ability in the practice of law.
He will always be remembered as a good person who cared for others.

ReyDavid Barriga

June 11, 2021

Michael l Vaughn not only was a great attorney ( never lost a trail case), he was a Man who cared for the community, and wanted everyone to get a fair shake.
He was tough in the court room, but his gentle side was evident around his beloved dogs.
Michael was quick witted, very eloquent with a masterery of the english language, and positive even when the going got rough.
Michael loved his wife, Myrna and his entire family. He will surely be missed.
God rest Michael.

richard dowdy

June 16, 2004

I knew Mike from the time his parents built their home/office on Vernon Avenue, right off Central. We lived right next door, and quickly Mike, his brother Sandy and sister Zella were playmates of mine and my other friends on the block. Mike's parents, Walton and Jean, would take the neighborhood kids out on summer evenings for "surprises" which usually meant a trip to the bank to make a night deposit, a run up Central to a goat farm for milk and then a stop at the ice cream parlor where we all were treated to the dessert of our choice. Mike and I, my friend Paul Dodds across the street, and friend Tom Knowles from down the street, used to play together all the time. Their pool was a focus (the only one on the block!) for our summer fun. Their home was always open to us. Dr. Vaughn was my dentist as well (too convenient: right next door!). I had an email from Mike earlier this year, inquiring about buying a condo on the beach in Encinitas (where I went to high school). He wondered if it would be "lowering the property values" if he moved in! We had lots of laughs...I miss Sandy, and now Mike. God Bless You!--Richard

Buddy Rake

June 15, 2004

My life has been blessed to have a friend like Mike for thirty years. I will miss him every day but will be forever thankful that he was in my life.

Alan Simpson

June 14, 2004

His quick wit, that rolling laugh, the friendship, will be missed. Mike was simply, always, a pleasure to be around.

Cherelle/Larry Parra

June 14, 2004

Myrna, Our hearts are filled with sorrow for you,Just know that Micheal was a good man and did alot of good deeds, He surely is in a better place, full of peace! We were lucky to have met the both of you! Sincerly The Parra's

Robert & Lyn Cocks

June 13, 2004

Myrna, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Scott & Bonnie Johnson

June 12, 2004

Who can forget all the times sitting around the shows and listening to his stories and his fond memories as a child. He would always say "That brings up an interesting point" or "Oh hey, did you know ...". He will be missed but will always be in our hearts. We love you Myrna and our prayers are with you and your family.

Manny & Carmen Trujillo

June 11, 2004

Myrna, Our sincere sympathy. Manny,Carmen, and family

Beve & Dave Long

June 10, 2004

Myrna, Mike Jr, and Family

We are thinking of you,

Wishing you hope in the midst of sorrow,

Comfort in the midst of pain.

With our deepest Sympathy!

Al and Peggy Breckley

June 10, 2004

Myrna:

All our prayers are with you and your family, please know that we all love you and are here for you when you need us.

Elaine McKenna

June 10, 2004

I had the privilege of knowing Mike as the father of my son's best friend during his elementary school years. Mike was a wonderful Dad. Mike and Myrna took my son and their son on many wonderful vacations. He was funny and generous with both boys. He will not be forgotten.

tom thinnes

June 10, 2004

A man with no enemies and plenty of friends. A man of substance who will be mourned and missed by everyone whose life he touched.

Aimee Stacker

June 10, 2004

You were a wonderful man and will be missed by many!

Linda Woods

June 10, 2004

Deepest Sympathy to Myrna and family

I have enjoyed working with both Mike and Myrna as their personal insurance agent.

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