Donald Vaughn

HOUSTON -- Donald Eugene Vaughn passed away Wednesday, Aug, 4, 2021, at the age of 88, in Houston. He passed away peacefully, after suffering from an ongoing battle with dementia.

Born Oct. 27, 1932, Donald grew up in Cape Girardeau. He graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1950. Soon after graduating high school, he married his high school sweetheart, Joan Mize, who would become his wife for the next 49 years. In 1956, they gave birth to their only son, Sonny.

Throughout his high school years, Donald worked as a meat cutter. Soon after graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Upon honorable discharge in 1954, he continued his meat-cutting career until joining Hunter Packing Co. in 1956 as a salesman. Promoted throughout his career at Hunter, he then joined Wetterau Food Group. He served as meat director in Redding, Pennsylvania, Lexington, Kentucky, and Charleston, South Carolina. Donald then moved to Houston in 1986 and briefly worked for ConAgra Foods, where he served in various management roles. In 1988, he joined his son, Sonny, to build The Vaughn Group.

Donald's main love was attending various sporting events for his son, Sonny, and grandchildren, Cliff and Haley. (He was always there.) He enjoyed wood working, golfing and fishing. Donald was also a member of St. Mark's Lodge as a Master Mason.

Donald is survived by his son, Donald "Sonny" Vaughn II; grandchildren, Clifford Vaughn and Haley Davalos and spouses; two great-grandchildren, Jadeyn and Savannah Davalos; and longtime girlfriend, Claudia Korff.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

Funeral will follow at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with Pastor Mark Anderson officiating. Burial will follow at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.