Richard Earl Vaughn

PERU -- Richard Earl Vaughn, 77, of Peru, passed away on February 10, 2011 at the Hospice House in Auburn, having struggled with lung disease and cancer.

He was born in Mexico on July 5, 1933, the son of Archie and Helen (Judkins) Vaughn. The most of his childhood schooling was in South Portland.

He entered the U.S. Army in March, 1951 working in the motor pool and as a cook. He attended Food & Baker’s School in Germany and received the Army of Occupation and National Defense Service Medals. He was discharged as Sargent in February, 1954. He was proud of having been responsible for a 40-foot steel hulled amphibian for the Civil Defense/Oxford County for 1 ½ years.

Richard was married to the former Hazel Child, in Dixfield on March 3, 1956 and she survives him. They were long time residents of the Dickvale Road in Peru, and together they raised four children. He worked numerous jobs prior to being employed by Oxford Paper Company. He retired from Boise Cascade after having worked in the mill from 1956 to 1991. He also served on the Peru School Board.

He was ambitious and enjoyed gardening, sharing his bounty with many. His fishing trips to Otter Pond were fondly embedded in his memory and his woodworking productions were done to perfection. He also like to travel, especially to the family homestead in Nova Scotia, Canada, when he was in better health. He was meticulous in how he kept his home and his belongings, being extremely organized and disliking clutter. He took special care of his John Deere tractor and had a collection of memorabilia.

Richard is survived by children, Gary Sr. and, friend, Jan of So. Paris, Kathy Hussey and husband, William of Peru, Robert and wife, Susan Bradford of W. Paris, and, Richard J. and wife, Sheryl of Peru; grandchildren, include Gary Vaughn, Jr., Amanda Jones, Daniel Vaughn, Timothy Blais, Lisa Gagnon, Erik Vaughn, Kori McManus and Tara Roy; several great-grandchildren; four sisters, Rita Nussbaumer and her husband, John of Florida, Barbara Priest and her husband, Malcolm of Mississippi, Nathalie Turner and her husband, Louis of Skowhegan, and Annie Carrier and her husband, Arthur of Dixfield; brothers, Bernard Frost and his wife, Rheanne of Peru, Clavis Frost, Jr. and his wife, Luana of Florida; in-laws, Avis Orino, Anna and Harold Hebert, Robert Child, Howard and Carrie Child, Addie Child and Janet Child; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard was predeceased by a brother, Laforrest (Buddy) Vaughn and his wife, Louise; his mother, Helen Frost and her husband, Clavis; his father, Archie Vaughn and his wife, Ada; and his wife’s siblings, Ernest, Lawrence, Clarion and Everett Child.

At his request, there will be no memorial service. Those desiring may offer condolences and pay tribute to Richard by email: khussey@roadrunner.com. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn, especially Dr. Austin, Maureen and Diana, and to Nikki Hosie RN and Wendy Youmen for the wonderful care given to Richard and the support provided to the family.

In honoring his request, there will be no services at this time. Gracelawn Memorial Services will handle

the cremation; burial will be in the spring at the Franklin (Child) Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may send donations to the Hospice House of Androscoggin, 236 Stetson Rd., Auburn, ME 04210 in his memory.