Joseph "J.D." Vaughan

J. D. Vaughan, Jr., 87, of Owensboro, finished his longest round on March 5, 2016 at Owensboro Center. He was born on April 11, 1928 in Marion, Kentucky to the late Doyle and Virginia Vaughan.

J. D. was a UK graduate, a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity, and a loyal CATS fan. He received an honorable discharge after serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and the Berlin Crisis. After working at Green River Steel Corp, he was employed with the City of Owensboro in 1973 as an Administrative Assistant to the City Manager and the Mayor. J.D. was named Assistant City Manager in 1981 and served as the first Public Works Director for the City of Owensboro from 1983 until his retirement in 1992.

J.D. was an avid golfer and longtime member of Windridge County Club where he made many lifelong friends. He was also a Junior Achievement Advisor and a Kentucky Colonel.

Mr. Vaughan was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Elizabeth Guenther Vaughan in 2007; a twin sister, Virginia Vaughan Stewart; a grandson, Christopher Swope.

Survivors include his two daughters (whom he called "Sweet Lis and Baby Coo" and who thought he "hung the moon"), Lisa Vaughan Heady and husband Paul, Carol Vaughan Langdon and husband Jerry all of Owensboro; sister Carol Vaughan Marshall (Shell) of Paducah; four grandchildren, Brandon Swope and wife Kelsi, Austin Swope and wife Amber, Marilee Langdon Morris and husband Nick, Lesley Langdon Hust and husband Chris; three step-grandsons, Jeremie Ruth and wife Jennifer, Chad Heady and wife Crystal, Clint Heady and wife Deborah; seven great grandchildren, Aiden McCoy, Nolan Hust, Claire Hust, Kole Morris, Maxx Morris, Davis Swope, Collin Swope; nine step-great grandchildren, Kayla Ruth, Van Ruth, Lilly Ruth, Phillip Luallan, Embry Luallan, Nate Heady, Carter Heady, Chloe Heady, Chaney Heady; and his most loyal friend, neighbor, and golfing buddy, Dan Bradshaw.


A memorial service will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, March 9 at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory with the Rev. Myke Templeton officiating. Friends may call Wednesday from 10:00 AM till 2:00 PM. Interment at Elmwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may take the form of donations to Christ Community Church, 1220 Center Street, Owensboro, KY 42303.