Thomas "Tommy" Jefferson Vaughn, Jr.

Thomas “Tommy” Jefferson Vaughn, Jr. departed this life on August 17, 2012 after a long illness. He was born in Oklahoma City on July 27, 1937, and was preceded in death by his wife of 25 years, Kathy, his parents, Thomas J. Vaughn, Sr. and Vera Bennett Knox, and granddaughter Carrie Frances Alexander. Tommy graduated from Bristow High School in 1955, where he was involved in FFA, the Drama Club and the band and covered sporting events for the school newspaper. He later attended the University of Oklahoma, Central State University and Oklahoma City University, studying accounting and business. He retired from the Oklahoma State Department of Education where he served as the Deputy Director of Auditing for Indian Education. Tommy was widely known as the Ultimate OU Football fan, having attended his first OU Sooners football game in 1950, an experience he never forgot. Tommy was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and camping, sharing that love with his daughters. In his later years, he enjoyed singing karaoke and spending time with his family. Famous for his wacky sense of humor, Tommy founded the Acme Lizard Ranch and brought “Madder than Eddie” Okie Pete to life. He is survived by his sisters, Debby Jorgenson and Roseanne Franks, daughters Denesha Alexander, Lindy Hollingsworth, Monnette Williams, Kim Welsh, Dianna Putman, Phyllis Bennett, Heather Miller, and their spouses. He also leaves behind grandchildren Billy Alexander, Michael Nettles, Frances Fowler, Glenda Coker, Garrett Bennett, Thomas Coker, Sean Miller, Ashley Miller and Seth Miller, great-grandchildren Allana Alexander, Isabella Alexander, Alexandria Fowler, Gracie Nettles, Collier Alexander, Bailey Nettles, Bryce Coker, Aliyah Fowler and Brogan Coker and many more family members and friends. The family would like to extend our sincerest thanks to Crossroads Hospice and the staff at Northwest Nursing Center, especially Robin, Lacy and Myeasha, for their tender loving care of our beloved brother, father and grandfather. A memorial service will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, August 23, 2012, at the Asa Smith Memorial Chapel, Harrah, OK. Services are under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service in Harrah, OK.