Joseph Clay Vaughan

Joe was born on January 22, 1953, to Clifford C. Vaughan and Barbara F. (Fox) Vaughan. The eldest of four children, Joe spent much of his childhood moving around the country as his father's career in the oil and gas industry took the family from place to place. Many of his formative years were spent in Amarillo, Texas, where he graduated from Tascosa High School in 1971. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Oklahoma in 1976.

Joe remained a devoted Sooner fan throughout his life and made it his mission to instill in his children a healthy disdain for the color orange. Much to his dismay, his eldest daughter fell in love with and married a Cowboy, but he loved them both anyway.

Following his time at OU, Joe began what would become a lifelong career in the oil and gas industry. He started with Rambler Oil Company, eventually becoming President and taking over management of the company's remaining assets, a responsibility he proudly carried until passing the reins to his beloved wife, Cathy. He also spent many years as a Landman at Chesapeake Energy before working independently and ultimately retiring. Joe was an active member of the Oklahoma City Association of Professional Landmen (OCAPL) and was particularly proud to earn his Lifetime Membership, which meant he could enjoy a scotch at Monday night meetings and catch up with industry friends as often as he pleased.

But Joe was so much more than his career. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather with a wide range of passions, including music, space, cars, sports, and occasionally pretending he was an architect. He found peace in strumming his guitar but was equally at home chasing the thrill of a fast car or cheering on the Sooners and Thunder alongside his wife and son. A lifelong Beatles enthusiast, Joe even played in a Beatles cover band as a young man, and his love for their music never faded. He shared that passion generously with his family, instilling in them a deep appreciation for music and leaving behind a love of it that will carry on for generations.

Joe was also proudly left-handed, a trait that apparently made quite an impression on his children. Much to his amusement, all three grew up to marry left-handed spouses. Perhaps there was something about their dad they loved so much that, whether they realized it or not, they went looking for a little piece of him in the people they chose to spend their lives with.

Joe had a quiet demeanor, but those who knew him best understood that his silence usually meant he was listening closely, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to deliver the best joke of the conversation. Beneath that dry wit was a deeply compassionate man whose tender heart and occasional tears reflected just how much he cared for the people he loved. His family will forever miss his humor, his kindness, and the unmistakable way he made them feel loved.

Joe is survived by his wife of 40 years, Cathy; his three children, Maria Strain (Tyler), Joseph C. Vaughan, Jr. (Cristine), and Caitlin Newcomb (Tyler); his four grandchildren, Noah, Lily, Turner, and Noella; and his three siblings, Doug Vaughan, Sue O’Conner, and John Vaughan, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.