Lois Vaughn

JEFFERSON CITY -- Lois Marjorie Launius Vaughn, 95, passed away peacefully Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, after a short illness, at Heisinger Bluffs in Jefferson City.

She was born March 9, 1924, to Dwight Thomas Launius and Elma Ada Aslin in Bloomfield, Missouri. She was united in marriage to Clyde A. Vaughn Sept. 13, 1945, at First Christian Church in Dexter, Missouri. He preceded her in death in 2015.

Together they had four children: retired Lt. Gen. Clyde Alan (Carol) Vaughn of Winchester, Virginia, Susan Lynne Vaughn of Jefferson City, Missouri, Dwight Thomas Vaughn of New Orleans and Harold Dean Vaughn, who died in infancy. She is also survived by grandchildren, Kristina (Robert) Meltvedt of Front Royal, Virginia, and Lt. Col. Chad (Jennifer) Vaughn of Kailua, Hawaii; and great-grandchildren, Drew, Parker, Jeb and Kaylee Lou; sister, Ruth Ann Fritsen of Hamilton, Montana; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by siblings, Lillian Skelton, Louise Halstead, Russell Launius, Kent Launius, Doy Launius and Doyle Launius.

Lois was a devoted mother and grandmother who never failed to attend football games, graduation ceremonies, concerts and recitals near and far, as well as events in support of her husband, who was a member of the Missouri National Guard. She was an integral part of her grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's lives who will forever have great memories of card games, fish fries and her many stories. She was a member of the Dexter American Legion Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Dexter First Christian Church.

She could out-fish anyone and was known for her sharp business sense, quick wit and fiery personality. She enjoyed history, genealogy and embraced new technology and kept in touch via social media.

Visitation for family and friends will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

A celebration of life service will follow at 2 p.m. Friday at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to The Ben Kruse 18 FORE Life Foundation, c/o Scott Kruse, 705 Laurie Circle, Dexter, MO 63841; National Stars and Stripes Museum and Library, P.O. Box 1861, 17377 Stars & Stripes Way, Bloomfield, MO 63825; or Stoddard County Children's Home Tribute Fund, P.O. Box 164, Dexter, MO 63841.