Michael Vaughan

Michael Vaughan, 81 years old, of West Des Moines, IA, passed away peacefully at home on July 16, 2024. Mike was born on June 11, 1943 to George and Isabelle Vaughan in Evansville, IN.
Mike is survived by his three daughters, Elizabeth Vaughan of Paducah, KY, Audrey Goodwin and husband Sean of Colorado Springs, CO, and Amy Grace Vaughan of West Des Moines, IA; his brother, Phillip Vaughan and wife Margaret Ann of Henderson, KY; his sister, Nancy Churchill and husband Lee of Lake Lure, NC; and his sister-in-law, Joni Vaughan of Oklahoma City, OK, as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his father and mother, George and Isabelle Vaughan; his brother, Keith Vaughan, and his wife Bettye (Litchfield) Vaughan.
Mike studied Elementary Education at Murray State University and was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. After graduation, he landed his first teaching job at Dr. Andy Hall Elementary in Mt. Vernon, IL. He and Bettye "Bounce" Litchfield started dating at Murray State, they married on March 27, 1966 in Marion, KY. They lived most of their lives in Mt. Vernon and had three daughters, Elizabeth, Audrey, and Amy Grace.
Mike retired from teaching and Mike and Bettye moved to Marion, KY to help care for Mike's mother. After Mike's mother and Bettye passed away, Mike moved back to Mt. Vernon for a short time, then lived with his daughter, Amy, in Des Moines, Iowa for the last seven years.
Mike taught for District 80 schools at Dr. Andy Hall Elementary, J.L. Buford Elementary, Franklin Elementary, and Dr. Nick Osborne Primary Center, as well as at McClellan and Dodds schools. Mike also taught GED classes and he spent his summers managing the Mt. Vernon Rec Club.
Mike used his creative talents by working special holidays at Johnson's Florist in Mt. Vernon and at friends' and families' weddings. He was an artist and enjoyed drawing and painting.
Anyone who knew Mike knew he was always willing to help, had a contagious laugh, and loved being around family and telling stories. These precious memories will live on in his family and friends and he will be missed immensely.
A Visitation will be held Friday, August 9th from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, IL. Visitation will also be held Saturday August 10th from 9:00 - 10:00 am with Funeral Services immediately following at 10:00 am at Hughey Funeral Home. Family Graveside Service will be held on Sunday, August 11th at 11:00 am at Mapleview Cemetery in Marion, KY. For those who wish memorials can be made in memory of Michael to Logan Street Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, Illinois and will be accepted at Hughey Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, those who wish can donate to Logan Street Baptist Church. https://loganstreetbaptist.org/give.
The family requests that all flowers and notes are sent to Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, IL.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.