Vaughn Hinkebein Jr.

Vaughn Ralph Hinkebein Jr., 41, of Jackson passed away Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, at his home.

He was born Oct. 2, 1982, in Cape Girardeau to Vaughn and Geralyn Grigsby Hinkebein Sr. He and Jessica Lacy were married Oct. 7, 2017, in Jackson.

Vaughn was a 2001 graduate of Jackson High School. For many years, he worked as a contract crane operator.

He honorably served in the U.S. Army from Feb. 9, 2001, to Nov. 2, 2012, serving tours of duty in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo, in areas of imminent danger. He was awarded the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star; the Iraq Campaign Medal with three campaign stars, Army Commendation Medal (6th award) Army Achievement Medal (second award); NATO Medal; Joint Meritorious Unit Award; Meritorious Unit Commendation; USN Unit Commendation; Army Good Conduct Medal (third award); Continuous Honorable Active Service; National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Kosovo Campaign Medal; Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (second award); Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon (sixth award); Combat Infantryman Badge; Expert Infantryman Badge; Air Assault Badge; Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver Tracked Vehicles Clasp; and Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver-Wheeled Vehicle Clasp.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife of six years, Jessica Hinkebein of Jackson; father, Vaughn (Marsha) Hinkebein Sr. of Jackson; mother, Geralyn Grigsby of Cape Girardeau; daughter, Autumn Hinkebein of Jackson, and her mother, Bobbi Hente; son, Samuel Hinkebein of Germany, and his mother, Gabriella Benko; stepson, Caden Carter of Jackson; stepdaughter, Mariyana Carter of Jackson; sister, Yvaughna Hinkebein (Missy) Sullivan of Jackson; brother, Cody (Kaylee) Hinkebein of Jackson; and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Jerry and Marie Hinkebein. and maternal grandparents, Gerald and Cora Grigsby.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The Rev. Mike Huffman will conduct the funeral at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, at the funeral home. Interment and military honors will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

To assist with final expenses, the family appreciates memorial contributions to McCombs Funeral Home.

Online condolence messages and memorial contributions may be sent by clicking on tribute tab and the donate tab of Vaughn's obituary article at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.