Arthur Lee Vaughan

Arthur Lee Vaughan, 91, of Terlton, Oklahoma, passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2009 at the Cimarron Pointe Care Center in Mannford, Oklahoma. Art was born on December 23, 1917, in Neosho, Missouri; the son of William Ernest and Bessie (Turner) Vaughan. Art was raised and received his education in Neosho. Upon completion of his education, Art moved to a farm near Hennessey, Oklahoma where he began working. He was also trained and worked as a refrigeration engineer. On February 21, 1945, Art entered into the service of his country in the United States Army; serving two tours in the Philippines as a Staff Sergeant. During his time in the Philippines, SSGT Vaughan was captured and was classified as a Prisoner of War. While captured, it was reported he shared his sea rations with another POW. Art was harassed by many of his fellow comrades for assisting another captive but continued to provide assistance anyway he could. On November 1, 1946 Art was honorably discharged from the United States Army and he received the following decorations and citations: Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon, Philippine Independence Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and Victory Ribbon with two Overseas Service Bars. Many years after his experience as a Prisoner of War, one of his fellow POWís came to the United States and visited Art. He was told that he owed his life to Mr. Vaughan for the sharing and care Art provided him during the time of their capture. On January 24, 1953, Art was united in marriage to RaMona Ruth Hays in Medford, Oklahoma. After the couple was united in marriage they established their home in Enid where they resided for many years. Art initially gained employment with Sturdevant Sheet Metal and Roofing. Art and RaMona traveled to many places during his tenure with Sturdevant and in 1979 Art retired as company superintendant after thirty-two years. After his retirement, Art and RaMona moved to their current home near Terlton where they have continued to reside. Art later began working again for a short time doing electrical work on oil wells in the area and fully retired in 1990. Art was described as a man with a big heart. He enjoyed people and had a special place in his heart for children. During one Christmas season, Art and RaMona were informed that a family with children in the area would probably have no Christmas so they purchased gifts and food for the whole family. Art would often play Santa for people in the community and he always enjoyed seeing the glimmer in the kidís eyes. Art was instrumental in the North 48 Fire Department where he served as a board member for many years. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign War, American Legion, the Fraternal Order of Free Masons as well as a member of the Shrine. His favorite saying was: ìI tell ya what ya got to do, listen to meî with his finger pointing at you. He is survived by his wife RaMona of the home, two sons Vernon Lee Vaughan and his wife Phyllis of Terlton, Oklahoma, David Wayne Vaughan of Terlton, Oklahoma, one daughter Linda Ruth Pierce and her husband Garry of Enid, Oklahoma, one sister Margaret Culley of Leaton, Missouri, four grandchildren, three great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents Art was preceded in death by a son William Vaughan and a step brother Raymond Vaughan.