William Vaughan Benson II

William Vaughan Benson, Jr. (known to his friends and enemies as Vaughan) passed away from a lung infection on May 5, 2024. He lived in Otis, Oregon and was 79 years old. Vaughan was a true American hero who fought for his country as a combat infantry sergeant during the Vietnam War. Despite being 100% disabled due to battle injuries (both physical and mental), he continued to live a full life.

Born in National City, San Diego County, California in 1944, Vaughan pursued higher education in San Diego and Chico, California. He graduated from Chico State College in 1966. Throughout most of his life, Vaughan was an entrepreneur. He owned an insurance agency for many years and found joy in buying, fixing up, and selling houses. His professional journey also included work in professional baseball newspaper advertising and business development management in the title insurance (escrow and mortgage) fields.

In 1978, Vaughan and his family moved to Santa Rosa, California, where he spent 16 years. Later, in 1998, he relocated to Bend, Oregon, and also lived in various other Oregon towns such as Medford, Brookings, Sunriver, Sisters, Roseburg, Depot Bay, and Otis. He loved the adventure of moving to new places.

His favorite hobbies included following sports action, fishing, and golfing. Becoming a pro baseball player remained on his bucket list.

Vaughan leaves behind his sister, Julie (of Medford, Oregon), two sons (Blair Vaughan and Reed William), and two grandchildren (Maya Elizabeth and Jack William) in Santa Rosa, California. In his last years, he enjoyed the company of many friends and acquaintances in Otis, Lincoln County, Oregon.

Not to be forgotten are his lifelong best buddies, friends since elementary and junior high school. These friends include Robin in Goodyear, AZ; Bob Proctor of Elk Grove, CA; Lonnie Lee of Minden, NV; and Jerry Valencia of Del Mar, CA. Their companionship undoubtedly contributed to Vaughan's happiness and longevity.

Vaughan lived a full and meaningful life, and his memory will be cherished by those who knew him. Please consider donating to your local Vietnam Veterans organization as a way to remember Vaughan.

A memorial is not yet planned but his sons will share details about that once the timing is decided.