Ronald VAUGHN Pugh, 87, passed away June 1, 2019 at Lenoir Woods. A private burial took place on June 6, 2019 at Memorial Park Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, July 20th at Epple Chapel, Lenoir Woods.
Vaughn was born June 6, 1931 to the late Virgil and Viola (Slater) Pugh, part of a long line of Boone County Natives. He was less than 14 months younger than his loving, late sister, Barbara (Pugh) Blevans. Vaughn was well known in many circles over the years in Columbia and Boone County.
In spite of suffering from what some would consider a “severe disability”, Vaughn took on life with ZEST and overcame every challenge with determination and always a Smile. He had a successful 35 year Career at MFA Oil retiring in 1996. He never missed a party, whether they were family gatherings or good times with friends. Vaughn enjoyed good looking clothes, nice cars and lovely ladies. He loved to dance and always had a lady by his side. Vaughn enjoyed swimming, running and exercising at WellAWare; but his favorite sport was Golf. He became a great left-handed golfer at Stephens Golf Course and later the City golf courses. He made many lifelong friends on the golf course.
Vaughn volunteered for numerous local causes and was a big supporter of Special Olympics and the Humane Society. His cats were his buddies and they lived a life of royalty. He enjoyed traveling to visit his Sister and Brother-in-law and faithfully visited his Mother every day after she suffered a stroke and had to move to The Bluffs. Vaughn was given a special Award for Volunteering at The Bluffs. He often told the story that ED Cindy Forbis ask him to be the “bed tester” when the new facility was being built; his choice was ‘the Winner’. Vaughn made many Friends at The Bluffs and was always thankful for these ‘special friends’ when he moved to The Bluffs in June 2010. Jeff, his wonderful Nurse, Barry, Laura and several others.
Vaughn is survived by his brother in law, Bill Blevans, Lenoir, who has been a faithful brother over 65 years; cousins, Carmen Neely, Overland Park, KS, Donna Gooch, Bloomington, IL, Don Slater, Odessa, MO and dozens of other cousins and friends around the Country.
Special Thanks to “the girls” at Home Instead for the laughter, love and companionship for 10 years, the Doctors and Nurses at University Hospital and the Nurses at Lenoir for the care and compassion in Vaughn’s final days.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to March of Dimes, Special Olympics, Mo or a Charity of your choice.
