Elmer Gardner Vaughn

Elmer Gardner Vaughn - Submitted for the USGenWeb by Richard P. Sevier January 24, 2018

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Elmer Gardner Vaughn - Madison Parish, Louisiana

From Alexandria Town Talk January 24, 2018

Top of Form

Leesville LA - Gardner Vaughn passed from this life into his heavenly home on January 22, 2018, at the age of 86. He was a Godly man who loved his family and his country.

Gardner was born in Tallulah, Louisiana on April 13, 1931 to Elmer and Marie Vaughn. Gardner was the first of three sons. Gardner and his brothers, Jim and Reggie, enjoyed a delightful childhood filled with many happy adventures.

After graduating from Ouachita Parish High School in Monroe, Louisiana, Gardner made the decision to serve his country by joining the United States Navy in 1950. He attended the Navy School of Music in Washington DC and served his tour as a band member on a number of ships during the Korean War. After returning home, Gardner attended Northwestern State University, where he thoroughly enjoyed playing in both the College Band and the Demonaire Dance Band, while pursuing his education. While at NSU, Gardner met and married the love of his life, Maurine Harville. Gardner received his Bachelor of Music in Education from NSU and later obtained his Master of Arts Degree +30 in Music Education at Louisiana Tech. Gardner, an accomplished percussionist, made his passion his career by becoming a band director and sharing his love of music with many Junior High and High School students throughout Louisiana and Texas. He also enjoyed teaching choral music at various churches throughout Louisiana.

Gardner revived his military career by joining the Louisiana Army National Guard, playing with the 156th Army Band. After retiring from teaching in the public school system, Gardner was among the first group of instructors for the Louisiana Youth Challenge Program. Gardner was also privileged to launch The New Horizons Senior Citizen Band in Alexandria, Louisiana, which he enjoyed immensely.

Gardner Vaughn was predeceased by his parents, Elmer and Marie Vaughn of West Monroe, Louisiana; brother, James A. Vaughn of Conroe, Texas; and granddaughter, Hope Elizabeth Vaughn of Hicks.

Gardner was faithfully devoted to his beloved wife of 62 years. Even toward the end of his life, he described Maurine as "the only girl for me." Gardner Vaughn was an inspirational example of integrity and deep faith. He leaves that legacy of faith for his three children, Christie Smith and her husband Bobby of Hockley, Texas, Jennifer Estes and her husband JB of Hicks, Louisiana, and Brady Vaughn and his wife Sylvia of Hicks, Louisiana.

Gardner is also survived by his brother, Reggie Vaughn of Bossier City, Louisiana, as well as his grandchildren; Aimee Frost, Adam Vaughn, Leigha Wise, Katelyn Bolton, Melissa Estes, Johnathan Bolton; Faith and Emma Vaughn, and great grandchildren, Braxton, Alexandra, and Maddox Frost, Adriana, Alicia, and Alaina Wise and Luis Arboleda III, along with many nephews and nieces.

A visitation will be held at The Church House, 2013 Alexandria Highway, Leesville, Louisiana from 6 PM to 9 PM, Wednesday, January 24, 2018. A funeral service will be held at 10 AM January 25, 2018 also at The Church House, followed by a final salute at The Veterans Cemetery, Leesville, Louisiana.