Obituary of Leon Vaughn

Leon Everett Vaughn of Chico, CA, died in Redding, CA on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012, after a short illness. He was born in Crane, Texas to Verbie and Emma Vaughn on April 24, 1935. Leon graduated from Live Oak High School in 1953. After serving in the United States Army, he attended the University of South Carolina and received his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 1960. In 1961, Leon began his distinguished career as a Foreign Service Officer with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). During his career, he served in many countries: Yemen, Laos, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Fiji, and several countries in Africa. He retired from USAID in 1986. Leon spent his retired years in Chico, CA. In retirement, he loved to spend time with his family and friends. In addition, he was actively involved in his community, both professionally and as a volunteer. He pursued a second career in real estate as a real estate agent and broker. For many years, he was a committed volunteer with the Volunteers in Police Service (V.I.P.S). Leon is survived by his wife, Judy, of 53 years; daughter, Susan Jett and son-in-law, Carl of Ohio; sons, Joseph of Sacramento, Michael of Chico and Mark and daughter-in-law, Martha of Greenville; sister, Mabel McMillan of Arkansas; brother, J.D. Vaughn and sister-in-law, Lavada of Live Oak; 7 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews and many friends. Beside his parents, Leon was preceded in death by his sisters, Estel Parker and brother-in-law, Ellis, Sr., Leda Clark, Emma Lee Hensley and brother-in-law, Leroy, and Bernadine Erpenbach; brother, Donald Vaughn and brother-in-law, Cecil McMillan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 30, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Divine Savior Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 5 - 8 p.m. Thursday evening, Nov. 29, 2012 at the Brusie Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Kiwanis family house: http://www.kiwanisfamilyhouse.org.