Ronald L Vaughn

Ronald L. Vaughn, affectionately known as “Curly” to his beloved wife Mary, passed away peacefully at home in Tucson, AZ, surrounded by family on May 12, 2025. Born on December 9, 1924, in Decatur County, IA, to Alex Orville and Clara Elizabeth (Bethards) Vaughn, Ron lived a life marked by dedication, service, and love.

Ron is survived by his children, John C. Vaughn, Casey P. Vaughn, and Joan Brillo(Alex Compton); 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 62 years, Mary Josephine Vaughn; children James Gerard Vaughn, Vicki Marie Dalton, and Ronald Lee Vaughn Jr.; grandchildren Tanya Vaughn Boyd, Michael Paul Vaughn, and Liam Joseph Brillo; and his great-grandchild Ava Elizabeth Durazo.

Ron and Mary shared a love that served as a guiding light to all who knew them. Introduced by a neighbor, they married on September 5, 1953, just fourteen months after meeting. Their bond, filled with unwavering devotion and affection, exemplified the true meaning of soulmates.

Growing up on a farm, Ron attended a one-room country schoolhouse, graduating eighth grade at the age of 12 before enrolling at Leon High School in 1939. After graduating in 1943, he briefly worked at the Iowa Packing Plant while awaiting his draft notice. On October 11, 1943, Ron joined the United States Army at Camp Dodge, Iowa, and soon became a gunner on B-17s, B-24s, and B-29s during World War II.

After the war, Ron chose to build a career in the United States Air Force, eventually retiring on December 31, 1963, as a Chief Master Sergeant. Notably, he was a pioneer in automating aircraft computer systems. Following his military career, Ron joined the Military Aircraft Storage and Disposition Center (MASDC) as a systems analyst, where he played a pivotal role in modernizing the center’s data automation. He retired on May 1, 1987, after 42 years of dedicated service.

In retirement, Ron found joy in traveling, woodworking, working with computers, and, above all, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His legacy of love, resilience, and dedication will continue to inspire his family and friends.

Ronald L. Vaughn will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered. A celebration of his life will take place at Funeraria del Angel South Lawn & South Lawn Cemetery on Monday, May 19th, 2025.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a Graveside Service with Military Honors from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. A reception will take place from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Ron are invited to join in honoring his memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Wounded Warriors Project.