John Thomas Vaughan

John Thomas Vaughan

February 6, 1932 - January 13, 2023

John Thomas Vaughan, Dean Emeritus of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University departed this life early in the morning of January 13th, 2023. He died unexpectedly in his sleep. It was a fortunate coincidence that several children and grandchildren were visiting. He was 90 years old.

He was born February 6th, 1932 to Mary Howard and Henry Asa Vaughan, Sr. in Tuskegee, Alabama. He came from agricultural roots. He said, "My father and my oldest brother said they thought I should be a veterinarian, and that suited me to a T."

After earning his Veterinary degree from Auburn in 1955, Dr. Vaughan practiced briefly in Tuskegee. When he brought a cow to Auburn for surgery, the dean recruited him back as an instructor in the large animal clinic. The next dean sent him to the University of Pennsylvania to study equine surgery, then assigned him to teach large animal surgery at Auburn. Cornell University recruited Dr. Vaughan to be a professor of surgery and director of the large animal hospital in 1970. He returned to Auburn in 1974, accepting an offer to be department head in large animal medicine. He served as Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine from 1977 to 1995.

Professional memberships include the American Veterinary Medical Association, Alabama Veterinary Medical Association, President of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, and President of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

There are far too many honors and awards to mention but naming the John Thomas Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital for him was at the top of the list.

After retirement, he served as Chair of the Professional Liability Insurance Trust that provides insurance for veterinarians.

He was working on a history of veterinary medicine at Auburn. He was a regular contributor of articles for the Auburn Veterinarian.

He was a member of the Auburn United Methodist Church, serving in numerous capacities. He was a member of the Auburn Rotary Club.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Howard Vaughan and Henry Asa Vaughan, Sr., three brothers, Henry Asa Vaughan, Jr. (Jean), Robert Howard Vaughan (Mary), and Roland Crawford Vaughan. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ethel Sell Vaughan, three children, John Thomas Vaughan, Jr. (Renata), Faythe Vaughan, and Michael Sell Vaughan, seven grandchildren, John Thomas Vaughan (Laura), Dylan Vaughan, Charlie Vaughan, F. Vaughan Immerwahr, Evelyn Vaughan, Isabella Vaughan, and Tallulah Vaughan, and one great-grandchild, Audrey Vaughan.

There will be a graveside service on Friday, January 20th, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. at the Tuskegee Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to a charity of your choice.