Howard LaRue Vaughn

Howard LaRue Vaughn, 84, passed away peacefully in Denison, Iowa. He was the seventh son born to Aaron and Dorathy Marie (Haines) Vaughn in Flint, Michigan, on December 29, 1939. Howard led a life rich with love, adventure, and unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and community.

In 1956, Howard began his service to his country with the National Guard, later joining the U.S. Navy from July 25, 1961 to May 28, 1965. As a 3rd Class Petty Officer, he served aboard along with his brother Phil Vaughn on the USS Midway (CVA-41). He earned the National Defense Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal serving his multiple tours during the Vietnam War.

On March 26, 1962, Howard married Judith “Judy” A. Zeman, the love of his life, in Santa Clara, California. Together, they created a close-knit family that includes their children, Marcella (Dan), LaDonna, Rhonda (Kevin), and Luke (Lisa); 10 grandchildren—Thomas Gordon, Danielle Newton, Brent Gordon, Jacob Blevins, Austin Richardson, Jordan Richardson, Breana Richardson, Andrew Gordon, Derek Booth, and Cecilia Martin; and many great-grandchildren; brothers: Philip (Rita) Vaughn and Douglas Vaughn (Connie Mulligan); sister, Sheila (Butch) Schulte; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and other family and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Bill, Bob, Harry, Eugene, Floyd, Thomas, Spencer, and Larry; infant sister, Marcella; and siblings-in-law: Annie Vaughn, Gloria Vaughn, Pat Vaughn, Ed Zeman, Frank Zeman, Marie Turnwall, Larry Zeman and Lucille Brady.

A talented welder, Howard honed his skills at Lockheed Martin in California, mastering trigonometry and contributing to top-secret projects, including the legendary SR-71 Blackbird aircraft. Later, he founded Vaughn Welding, where he, Judy, and Luke created decorative iron lawn sculptures sold across seven states, earning recognition and awards at numerous art shows. Howard’s career was as diverse as his interests—he also worked as a police officer, owned and operated a tree service business, held various roles in construction and agriculture, and served his community as a Vail City Councilman, Mayor Pro-Tem, and a volunteer firefighter.

Howard was passionate about the outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, trapping, searching for and knapping arrowheads, and competed in tomahawk throwing and black powder shooting events. His creativity shined in his drawings, paintings, and his talent for storytelling. He found joy in word search puzzles, music by Don Williams, Elvis Presley, and Jerry Clowers comedy. Howard also loved old Western movies, military documentaries, and anything with a laugh. He was known for his kind heart, infectious humor, and knack for spinning captivating tales. Howard had a remarkable ability to light up a room with his big smile and quick wit. He shared vivid accounts of his Navy days, life experiences, and the occasional fictitious story. Howard's legacy of love, laughter, and hard work will forever remain in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him. Above all, he cherished moments with his family, who he loved so much. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, with visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and a rosary at 10:45 a.m. all at St. Ann Catholic Church in Vail. Interment with military honors will follow at the St. Ann Cemetery near Vail. Memorials may be directed to A Smile Train, https://www.smiletrain.org/.