Lawrence "Larry" Vaughn

Lawrence Eugene Vaughn Jr (Larry) of Hannibal, MO, age 80, passed away at 9:15pm, Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Beth Haven Nursing Home.

Grand View Funeral Home is handling cremation arrangements. A family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Larry was born on February 14, 1944, in Hannibal, MO, the son of Lawrence Eugene and Marjorie Gwendolyn (White) Vaughn. They preceded him in death.

He was united in marriage to Leona Marie Tate (Lea) on February 8, 1964, in Louisiana, MO. Leona survives him in death.

Survivors also include two sisters, Jean Seabourn and Pam Watkins; brother Dave Vaughn; two sons, Link and Lance Vaughn; two granddaughters, Lyndi Vaughn and Megan Garcia; three grandsons, Benjamin, Evan, and Sawyer Vaughn; and one great-granddaughter, Amelia Garcia.

Larry was a member of and involved in many organizations throughout Illinois, Missouri, and Indiana, including the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of America, Little League Baseball, Lions Club, Junior Chamber of Commerce, Jaycees, and the American Red Cross. He was an Advanced First Aid Instructor, Civil Defense Medical Self-Help Instructor, Civil Defense Police and Shelter Manager, Civil Air Patrol Squadron Commander and Mission Coordinator, and NASA Courier. Larry was also the Mayor of Holts Summit, MO, for two terms, volunteer firefighter, member of the Missouri Reserve Military Corps, Indiana Guard Reserve, Indiana Air Guard Reserve, Honorary Regiment of Militia, Indiana Transportation Museum, Whitewater Valley Railroad & Museum, and the Order of St George. He had a passion for volunteering and community service, firmly believing that each commitment he made helped make the world a better place.

Professionally, Larry was self-employed as a business consultant, content developer, and media producer.

After retirement, Larry hosted a YouTube channel called Grandad’s Letters (bit.ly/grandadsletters) that outlined Hannibal's history and his own life story. It was intended as a way for him to share stories with future generations. He loved to create as a stained-glass glazier, painter, and was an accomplished chef, publishing an online cookbook (vaughnkitchens.com). Larry absolutely adored his wife Lea and dedicated his life to her care after her debilitating illness in 2005.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Loving Care Hospice, who cared so well for him in his final days.

Online condolences may be made to the family on Larry’s memorial page at grandviewfuneral.com.