Franklin Henry Vaughn of Safford, Arizona, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2023, at the age of 88.
Born on April 20, 1935, in Vernon, Texas, Franklin, better known as Frank, was one of eight children born to Jim and Irene Vaughn.
Franklin graduated from Vernon High School and enlisted in the United States Army in 1954. There he was an AAA Operations and Intelligence Specialist. Upon serving his country, he finished his military career in the Army Reserve for eight years.
On June 17, 1956, after Franklin finished his army career, he came back to marry his high school sweetheart, Elwanda Emberlin. They made their home in Vernon, living there several years, during which time Elwanda received her nursing degree and Franklin did various jobs including working at gas stations and mechanical work.
In January 1958, the couple lost their baby girl Carrie Ann Vaughn who passed away at birth.
Jobs were scarce in Vernon, so Franklin and Elwanda made the difficult decision to leave Vernon and travel to Morenci, Arizona, where Franklin found employment with Phelps Dodge in 1965. Here he held many positions.
Always wanting a family, Franklin and Elwanda went on to adopt their two boys, Daniel in 1965 and Thomas in 1968.
With the boys now grown and Franklin retired, they moved back to Vernon, Texas, in 1995. In 2013, they returned to Arizona to be closer to family.
Franklin enjoyed hunting and fishing. He spent countless weekends fishing with his wife and boys on the San Francisco River. Frank’s love for working on automobiles was always present as he always had friend and neighbor’s cars in the driveway, doing work on them for anyone that needed help. Franklin was also an avid rock collector and jewelry maker.
Frank is reunited with his sweetheart, Elwanda, and his daughter Carrie Ann Vaughn who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death are his parents, brothers, and sisters, Ruth Roberts, Lucille, Lena Mae, Leroy Vaughn, Billy Vaughn, Bobby Vaughn.
Survivors include: his son, Daniel Vaughn of TX; son, Thomas (Sandra) Vaughn of Morenci, AZ; along with his twin brothers, Wesley Vaughn of Alabama, and Lesley Vaughn of Texas; his grandchildren, Ashley Vaughn of Safford, AZ, Heather (Garrett) Rhodes of Mesa, AZ, Jacob (Tiana) Vaughn of Safford, AZ, Shawn (Cynder) Hernandez of Safford, AZ, and Matthew Hernandez of Morenci, AZ, Lance(Christina) of Morenci, AZ; ten great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends for a memorial gathering Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., at the Vining Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
