Bruce Vaughan

Carthage, Missouri lost one of its most steadfast hearts and warmest smiles when Bruce Allen Vaughan, Jr. passed away unexpectedly at the age of 92 on Friday, August 1, 2025. Bruce's passing comes just six weeks after he was preceded in death by the love of his life, Kay Vaughan, his wife of almost 63 years.
Bruce was the kind of person who made the world seem steady. He believed in honesty, knowledge, service, and most of all, family. An only child by birth, he built a lifetime of "brothers," "sisters," "aunts," "uncles," and close friends who became family through shared celebrations, daily support, and a little laughter during life's inevitable challenges.
Bruce was a devoted husband, proud father/grandfather, reliable friend, unwavering mentor, and the person you called when you needed advice on just about anything. He was the official "call a friend" designee to many. His calm reasoning, loyal friendship, and never-ending dedication to both family and community made him the quiet strength behind so many lives. His priorities were always clear: Kay, his three children and six grandchildren, his beloved community of Carthage, his country, and the beautiful people, animals, and world that God created.
Bruce was born on January 14, 1933 in Carthage, Missouri, to Bruce Allen Vaughan, Sr. and Betty Stanley Vaughan. His childhood was full of friends and adventures, often in the company of his "brother from another mother" and life-long comrade, Dr. Bill Michel. They were true Mizzou Tigers to the end.
He attended Mark Twain Elementary and graduated from Carthage High School before heading to the University of Missouri. At Mizzou, Bruce thrived, earning a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Industrial Management, serving as a Distinguished Military Cadet Colonel in ROTC, lettering on the Mizzou Rifle Team, and actively participating in Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity, and Scabbard and Blade Military Honorary (later serving as District Advisor). Growing up and during his days in Columbia, Missouri, he developed a never ending appreciation for the arts, movies, classical music and traditional jazz.
Bruce proudly served his country through ROTC, the Missouri National Guard, and the U.S. Army. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1955, he served in several leadership roles, including Battery Commander and Company Commander, before his honorable discharge as a Captain in 1970.
After his service, Bruce returned to Carthage to help run the family business, Stanley Lumber Company and Vaughan Construction Company. His passion for building homes and real estate led him to a successful career at Financial Federal Savings and Loan in Joplin, where he rose to Senior Vice President. He later worked with the FDIC and Resolution Trust Corporation in Kansas City before spending the last 20 years of his professional life as a Licensed Real Estate Appraiser, which became some of the most fulfilling work of his career.
His service to the community was equally impressive. A lifelong member of First United Methodist Church of Carthage, Bruce was a Sunday school teacher for over 50 years, an Administrative Board Chair, Staff-Parish Relations Chair, College and Career Class teacher, and a trustee for the Southwest Missouri United Methodist District Board.
An Eagle Scout himself, Bruce poured decades into the Boy Scouts of America as a Cub Scout Master, Scoutmaster, District Chairman, and mentor. He guided 30 young men to Eagle Scout rank-a record in Missouri that may still stand. His dedication earned him the Silver Beaver and Golden Sun awards for distinguished service.
A true Carthaginian, Bruce served on boards and committees across the city, including: Carthage Rotary Club (President, 2000), Carthage JCs, Carthage Chamber of Commerce, Jasper County Industrial Development Authority, Carthage Public Library Board, Municipal Airport Board, Powers Museum Board, YMCA Board, Salvation Army Advisory Board, and St. Luke's Nursing Home Board. He loved the Carthage community, the Tuesday Nighter dinner club and movie night crews.
Despite his many commitments, Bruce never lost sight of what mattered most: family adventures, lifelong learning, and creating experiences that broadened horizons. With Kay, he ensured Marti, Allen, and Suzanne enjoyed summers at the pool (where Bruce was a trusted
starter and stroke judge at countless swim meets), camping in national parks, road trips to Washington D.C. (Bruce even found camping spots in DC - he really loved camping) and Williamsburg, and vacations to Texas, Florida, and beyond. Bruce and Kay made sure each moment was equal parts fun, family, and educational.
Bruce was a curious mind and tinkerer to the end. He was a devoted reader, early computer enthusiast, armchair theologian, family genealogist, and lifelong learner. He knew there was so much to contemplate on his runs, walks and drives through town or "winding the clock" around the famous Carthage courthouse. Whether through books or technology, he sought knowledge daily and, if asked, he shared his acquired details and mastery of history generously. His woodworking gave him concentrated time to think as he created furniture, woodcrafts, and framed art as gifts for his loved ones.
It's hard to picture Carthage without Bruce's steady presence. His kindness, humor, and unwavering reliability will be missed deeply. But his values, friendships, and the better community he built will live on.
Bruce is survived by his three children: Martha "Marti" Sewester (husband Bill) of Wichita, Kansas; Allen Vaughan (wife Joy) of Newport, Rhode Island; and Suzanne Vaughan (husband Jay Goff) of Washington, D.C. he was a proud Papa to six grandchildren: Kathryne Sewester of Oahu, Hawaii; Hannah Sewester (fiancé Alex Lechtenberg) of Phoenix, Arizona; Timothy Vaughan of Los Angeles; Joshua Vaughan of Murrieta, California; Mia Goff of Alexandria, Virginia; Vaughan Goff of Washington DC; a wide circle of "extended" family who affectionately called him "Uncle Bruce;" and countless friends who were his cherished broader family.
A memorial service celebrating the beautiful lives of both Bruce and Kay Vaughan will be held on what would have been their 63rd wedding anniversary at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Carthage. Burial will follow at the Avilla Cemetery in Avilla, Missouri. Friends and loved ones are invited to visit with the family from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, at Knell Mortuary in Carthage. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts be made to the Carthage R-9 School Foundation for the Fine and Performing Arts Center or the Scholarship Program, First United Methodist Church of Carthage, or Scouting America in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be shared at www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.