Earl L. Vaughn Sr., age 90, of Odin passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Salem Township Hospital E.R.
Earl was born on June 9, 1933, in Salem, the son of LeRoy and Opal (Bolinger) Vaughn. He married Donna Mae Foltz on October 11, 1953, at the Odin United Methodist Church and she preceded him in death on December 9, 2012.
He is survived by two daughters, Cindy Boles and husband Chris of Keller, TX and Lori Phinney and husband Gene of Worden; four sons, Earl Vaughn Jr. and wife Vicki, Robert Vaughn and wife Rona, Kenny Vaughn and wife Pam and Rich Vaughn and wife Angie; one half-sister, Lois Dolan; sister-in-law, Connie Jackson and husband Rick; 17 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and a special friend, Becky Wagoner.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Donna; his parents; step-father, W.B. Grisham; sister-in-law, Donna Wagner and husband Clyde; brother, Wayne Vaughn; and sister-in-law, Wanda Chappell and husband John.
Earl graduated from Salem Community High School in 1951, and upon graduation enlisted in the United States Navy. He served proudly in the Korean War aboard the U.S.S. Manchester from 1951-1955.
Earl worked for the Illinois Central Railroad for 40 years. He along with his wife owned and operated Vaughn’s Upholstery for over 25 years. He enjoyed all kinds of music, farming on the side, and had a knack for taking machinery apart and putting it back together, including his antique tractor.
He was a member of the Odin United Methodist Church for over 50 years. He served as the Sunday School Superintendent for many years and taught Class 4 for over 20 years. He enjoyed helping for many years in the Odin Methodist Men’s Group where he shopped for coats for the kid’s program. He served on the Odin School Board from 1973-1995
Earl loved hosting family get-togethers and spending time with his children and grandchildren which meant everything to him. He will be missed by many.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 2, 2023, at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem with grandson, Kyle Boles officiating. Burial will be in Peaceful Valley Cemetery in Odin with Military Rites by the Salem American Legion. Visitation will be held on Sunday, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials can be made to Peaceful Valley Cemetery in Odin and can be received at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com
