Ronald F. Vaughn, Sr.

Ronald Francis Vaughn, Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2023.

He was born on October 15, 1935, in Hartford, Kansas to Harold and Frances Vaughn. Ron and his brother, Jim, were raised in Madison, Kansas where they had a loving and idyllic childhood. After high school, Ron attended Ottawa University where he met the love of his life, Darlene Joy.

After graduating from college, Ron entered Officer training in the United States Marine Corps. Ron and Darlene were married on June 9, 1958, at the Marine Corps Chapel in Quantico, Virginia. They welcomed their first child, Julia, while living on base at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

After completing his tour of duty in 1961, Ron moved his family to Shawnee, Kansas and began his lifelong career as the owner of R.F. Vaughn Building Company. He built beautiful homes for 50 years. Their family grew with the addition of daughter, Jennifer and son, Ronald, Jr.

Ron was a loving and supportive husband and father. He spent many days cheering on his kids in sports, musical performances, and other activities but he usually kept Saturday open for golf. Ron was a longtime member of Lake Quivira Country Club and met many wonderful friends on the course. Ron will be remembered as a deeply good man who had an uncommonly keen sense of what was important in life. He was kind to all who knew him.

Ron was preceded in death by his beautiful and loving wife, Darlene, his parents, Harold and Frances Vaughn and his brother James Vaughn.

He is survived by his children, Julie McNeal (Myrle), Jennifer Merrill (Clancy) and Ronald Vaughn, Jr. He is also survived by his 10 adoring grandchildren, Mallory (Brian), Brendan (Maria), Bailey (Taylor), Peter, Clancy, Madison, Mackey, Sydney (Austin), Merritt, Davis; 4 great grandchildren, Calvin, Caroline, Nora, and Rory; Sister-in-Law, Barbara Joy, nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

A funeral mass will be held at Curè of Ars Catholic Church in Leawood, Kansas on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. Visitation will be at 9:30am followed by the Rosary and Mass at 11:00. For those unable to attend in person, mass will be livestreamed by clicking HERE . Ronald will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery beside his wife, Darlene Vaughn.

Memorial contributions in Ron’s honor can be made to the music program at: Curè of Ars Catholic Church c/o Music Ministry, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, Kansas 66206.