Arlie Vaughn

Arlie was born on August 18th, 1925, in Middletown, OH, the son of Alma May and Daniel Vaughn. He was raised in Middletown by his grandparents, Charles and Mary Staggs. He graduated from Middletown High School in 1943 and immediately enlisted in the United States Navy to serve in World War II. Arlie was a torpedoman on a Destroyer, the U.S.S. Brush (DD-745), and was deployed to the South Pacific, taking part in several operations as part of the 3rd and 5th Fleets from August 1944 until September of 1945, including the battle at Iwa Jima and the Okinawa operation. Upon his discharge from the Navy in 1946, Arlie returned to Middletown, Ohio where one evening, while subbing in a couple’s bowling league, he met the love of his life, Ruth Rose, “Bebe” Lawson. They were married at St. John’s Church on the 21st of January 1956 and celebrated 62 anniversaries together before Ruth passed in 2018 at the age of 95. Arlie and Ruth lived in Middletown their entire lives and Arlie worked multiple jobs at Armco Steel spending most of his career as an Instrument Repairman working throughout the mill. They welcomed 6 children into their home between 1956 and 1964 and while raising his family Arlie also worked part time as a barber at Clyde’s Barber Shop on the corner of Clark Street and Manchester Avenue. He was an avid Cincinnati Reds fan and loved going to games, watching them on TV, or just listening to the games on 700 WLW. Arlie was a great bowler and that continued to be his favorite pastime well into his 80’s. After retirement, Arlie and Ruth enjoyed traveling across the US and Canada together, visiting the National Parks, and the West Coast on numerous occasions. Arlie was a simple, honest, compassionate soul who loved life, family, laughter, telling stories, bringing home stray dogs and cats, and chastising his children about the evils of cigarette smoking. He had a habit of showing up when you least expected it, and you couldn’t help but smile every time you saw him.

He is preceded in death by his dear wife Ruth Rose, his son Kerry Matthew, his parents, and most of the friends and relatives he grew up with, having lived to the age of 99.

Arlie is survived by his children, Amy of La Palma, CA, Toby (Denise) of Rolesville, NC, Thad (Lori) of Indianapolis, IN, Adam (Susan) of Franklin, OH, and Polly of Middletown, OH; 9 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren, and by his half brothers and sisters, Vernon, James, Dinah, Terry, Troy, and Rebecca (Becky).

Visitation will be on Saturday morning, February 22nd, from 10:00 am to 10:45am, at the Breitenbach Anderson Funeral Home, with the Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00am at St. John’s Church, Holy Family Parish. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Arlie’s life with his family and friends. Burial will be in Woodside Cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ohio’s Hospice at www.ohioshospice.org.

Please visit www.breitenbach-anderson.com to leave online condolences for the family.