Joe Vaughn

Joseph Louis Vaughn, 32, passed away peacefully at home on August 14, 2021, surrounded by family. Joe was born on May 19, 1989 on a beautiful day at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames. He was the second child to Bill and Veronica Vaughn.

Joe was so courageous throughout his year and half battle with stomach cancer. He was brave and funny, a true beacon of light, joy and sunshine to all who knew him. While Joe may not have gotten to live the full length of his life, he absolutely lived the breadth of it. He loved cycling and rode 13 RAGRABI’s as well as the Kentucky Bourbon Burn. He loved being on stage acting with the Judge Story Theatrical Troupe (JSTT) as well as doing his own stand-up and seeing (and getting pictures with!) many of the greats, Jim Gaffigan, Weird Al, and Jerry Seinfeld. Joe packed more into his brief 32 years than most will in a lifetime.

He was a graduate of Roland-Story High School, class of 2007. He touched many people’s lives through his work at Mainstream Living, in various positions before ending as an Assistant Team Leader.

People often said that Joe was the life of the party, but Joe was truly the party. He shared his good humor and joy wherever he went and never met a stranger. He loved meeting new people and making them into friends. There was never a better friend to have than Joe Vaughn.

During his struggle, he never lost hope, his fantastic sense of humor or his love for people. He beat cancer by being himself.

Joe is survived by his parents, Bill and Veronica (O’Brien) Vaughn of Story City; older brother, Michael (Alex), his wife Kara Vaughn and their son, Simon of Urbandale; grandmother Sally O’Brien of Ames; and numerous loving aunts, uncles, cousins and so many, many good friends.