Richard Eugene Vaughn

July 13, 2026

Richard Eugene Vaughn, known affectionately as Dick or Pete, 76, passed away peacefully July 13, 2026, at his home in Clinton.

He was born June 14, 1950, in Martin, Kentucky, to Peggy Jo Allen Vaughn and Maurice Lee Vaughn. He was a graduate of Oak Ridge High School and received a bachelor of science degree from Tennessee Tech and a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee. He was a proud member of IBEW Local 270.

Richard was a nature lover at heart and could be found fishing, hunting or out on the golf course on any given day. He was a Kentucky fan for life and always cheered on his beloved Wildcats, even though he lived in Vol country for most of his life.

He shared a lifelong close bond with his siblings, twin brother Bob and older sister Margaret Ann, and had the great joy of spending almost 60 years with the love of his life, his wife, Karen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peggy Jo and Maurice Lee Vaughn; and niece, Morgan Nichols.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Nichols Vaughn; daughters, Megan Vaughn Haniford (Lee), Brittany Vaughn and Katie Vaughn; brother, Robert “Bob” Vaughn; sister, Margaret Ann Vaughn Kesterson (Ron); brothers-in-law, Charles Nichols and David Nichols (Lyn); granddaughters, Harper and Hayley Haniford; nieces, Kelly Vaughn (Charissa), Kari Vaughn Newport (John Paul), Meredith Nichols Woods and Laura Nichols Barr (Shannon); nephews, Joe, Jake and Josh Kesterson; and many beloved great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life was held from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, July 26, in the banquet hall at Calhoun’s Oak Ridge. All were welcome to visit and share memories.

Online condolences may be shared with the family through Weatherford Mortuary at https://www.weatherfordmortuary.com/obituaries/obituary-listings..

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Blood Cancer United. https://donate.lls.org/ltn/donate