Richard Lee Vaughn

     Richard Lee Vaughn was born April 28,1934 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and died at home June  6, 2025.  He was 91 years old. He is survived by his four daughters and their families,  Debbie Robinson (Jim), Susan Hickey (Andy), Janice Woodhouse (Terry), and Richann  McMaster (Mike). He was blessed with nine grandchildren; Luke Robison (Jolene), Sarah  Robison (Ryan), Hailey Beasly (Kraig),  Ashley Hickey, Jenny Sauer (JB), Melissa Heaton (Drew), Walter Woodhouse (Ashley), Chris McMaster (Allie) and Nick McMaster, and eleven great-grandchildren with two more on the way.   
     He was proceeded on death by his parents, his beloved wife LaVonne, sister and husband Faye and Isom Patterson, son-in-law Andy Hickey, LaVonne’s two sisters, Mary Kelley and Arlene O’Neil, and grandson Matthew McMaster.  
     Richard was born to Ed and Myrtle Vaughn. He had one older sister, Faye. When Richard was 11, after his dad died Myrtle and he moved to Merrill, Oregon to be closer to Faye and her husband Isom. He met his future wife in Merrill and married LaVonne Johnson August 9, 1953 in Reno. Debbie was born in March followed by Susie, Janice, and Richann.
     LaVonne and Richard were happily married for 65 years and 6 days, until LaVonne’s death on August 15, 2018. Together, they raised their four daughters and numerous nieces and nephews who were always happy to spend time with them.  
     Richard loved watching things grow and being a farmer. He and LaVonne worked hard and expected their daughters to do the same, but they always had fun. Summers were spent at Medicine Lake, fishing and water skiing.  
Richard loved to fish. He and LaVonne spent many winters fishing on Shasta Lake. He loved music and played guitar and the fiddle. Richard also loved a cocktail or two after working all day. He and LaVonne always welcomed friends and family to their kitchen table for a drink. Black Velvet was their choice. If you stayed long enough, LaVonne would cook you dinner.  
     Richard was  very independent. After LaVonne died, he had to learn to cook and take care of the house. His favorite dish to make was Tamale pie. He loved dogs and had two constant companions. Abi and Fly. They are with him on his journey to join LaVonne. She will have a drink waiting for him.  
     Richard’s family would like to give a special  thank you to Sandi Fanning and Klamath Hospice. 
     Please join the family Saturday, June 14th at 2:00 at the IOOF cemetery in Merrill, then at the Woodhouse residence to celebrate a life well lived. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Tulelake Fire Department, TASC, the Tulelake FFA, or Lost River FFA.   

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