Ted Vaughan passed away in Champaign on Jan. 19, 2019. He was born in Mobile, AL, the son of Edward B. Vaughan and Lilian Leigh Vaughan. He is survived by his wife of 29 years Beth Stafford, daughter Helen L. Mardis, son Edward B. Vaughan III, brother N. Leigh Vaughan, brother-in-law Wesley Stafford, grandson Andrew Mardis, granddaughter Anna Leigh Vaughan, two great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
When he was nine his family moved to Larchmont, N.Y. He graduated from Marion Military Institute, the United States Naval Academy, the U.S. Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA with a degree in electrical engineering, and Tulane University with an MBA.
Following graduation from USNA Ted was assigned and qualified on destroyers, and to submarines upon completing sub school in New London, CT. After post graduate school he spent most of the next 14 years building, repairing, and designing submarines. He spent his last 5 years of his naval career in the overhaul of nuclear submarines, new construction of Spruance class destroyers, helicopter assault ships, and the first Aegis Guided Missile Cruiser in Pascagoula, MS.
Following his retirement from the Navy in 1979, Ted worked in marine construction in Houston, TX, and New Orleans LA. He then moved to Champaign to spend 15 years assisting with the construction and management of Illinois Power Company’s Clinton Nuclear Power Station.
The years after retirement from IP were spent enjoying travel with Beth. In addition, he was on the board of the Champaign Southwest Mass Transit District and an active member of the USNA Alumni Association, the Military Officers Association, the Naval Submarine League, and the U.S. Submarine Veterans, Inc.
A lifelong hobby for Ted was woodworking — both refinishing antiques and building fine furniture. Later in life he also crafted jewelry with gold.
Services for Ted will be held on Friday, Jan. 25, 2019, at Heath and Vaughn Funeral Home, 201 N. Elm, Champaign, with visitation at 1:30 and services at 2:00 pm. The Rev. Deborah Owen will officiate.
There will a columbarium memorial service at the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD, at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a charitable donation to USNA Alumni Association, the Naval Submarine League, or a charity of your choice.
Condolences to the family may be offered online at www.HeathandVaughn.com.
Condolences
A sad day, indeed!! My sympathy and condolences to Ted’s family.
I first met Ted at Marion Military Institute where we were both prepping for the Naval Academy. We both graduated in 1957 and went separate ways, he to submarines, me to aviation. Didn’t see much of him afterwards except at Reunions.
Ted was a good man and a fine Classmate. I’m sure that he will be sorely missed.
—Charlie Hall
Ted was a most excellent man. He was honest, strong, and really quite beautiful. I will miss his stories and sense of humor. He taught me about honor, diversity, and true beauty, as well as something about Porsches : )
He will be dearly missed.
Congratulations Ted, on a life well lived!
—James Stewart
My sincere sympathy to Beth and Family on Ted’, Class of 1957 passing. Look forward to his ceremony at USNA,
Sincerely
—Peter Boyne, USNA Class of 1957
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To Beth and family and friends of Edward B. Vaughan, JR., CDR— On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans – USSVI, please accept our sincere condolences at Edward’s passing. You and your loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find kindness to warm you, sympathy to comfort you, and cherished memories to bring peace to your heart. |