Leopold Vaughn

Leopold “Leo” Vaughn, 88, ascended to the heavens on Wednesday, April 16th , 2025 in the cared comforts of his own home. Family encompassed him during his last moments, ensuring that his well-being and modesty remained in balance, and shrouded him in reverence upon his passing.

Leo recently celebrated his 88th birthday encircled by the love, laughter and enduring provision of his immediate family.

On April 5th, 1937, Leo was born to Hardy and Avo (Ramsey) Vaughn in Allred, Tennessee. He spent his childhood surrounded by seven rambunctious but adoring brothers and sisters. They loved hunting, fishing, farming, playing, and adventure seeking within the hills of Tennessee. After graduating from high school, Leo joined the United States Navy. He served six years active, and then remained in a reserve status for the balance, proudly serving his country for a total of 20 years. Upon leaving active duty, Leo accepted a position with the Naval Shipyard located in Charleston, South Carolina.

While attending training in Illinois, he would eventually meet the love of his life: Kathryn.

Married in August of 1967 in Waukegan, Illinois; he and his young bride started their newfound life together in beautiful South Carolina. A short time later, Leo eagerly accepted a position at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard located in Bremerton, Washington. This is where they would plant their roots, welcome a new baby girl and spend the balance of their lives.

Leo was a quiet man. He didn’t fill the room with booming laughter or command attention with grand gestures. Instead, he was the steady heartbeat of his family; the gentle force that kept everyone grounded and gave us perseverance.

He was a man of simple pleasures. A hot cup of coffee on the porch, mastering the Sunday Crossword/Sudoku puzzle, enjoying Kathryn’s prominent home cooking, fishing, traveling to see family in Tennessee, sharing a nap with one of the many dogs he owned in life, watching all-encompassing episodes of Gunsmoke, or cheering on either the Seattle Mariners, Washington Huskies or Washington State Cougars, he found joy in the everyday moments that many of us tend to overlook.

Aside from his committed love for Kathryn and his daughter Dana, Leo had an explicit place in his heart for two others, his beloved grandkids: Olivia and Griffin. Commonly referenced as “Papa”, Leo believed life’s sweetest moments often came from the smallest interactions.

One of the countless, and life-long exchanges he had with his grandkids, one always sparked a special memory. On many weekends he’d take the grandkids to go fishing. The early morning mist on the lake, the gentle lapping of water against the dock – these are the backdrop to some of the most treasured memories. Leo didn’t need words to express his love; it was in the careful way he baited their hook, the proud smile when they would make a catch, the comfortable silences they shared. For Leo, watching his grandchildren grow and thrive was a source of immeasurable joy. By their side from birth to adulthood, Leo was a fundamental respite within their lives.

This tribute, like most, is tremendously diminutive in nature. Regrettably, we cannot express in this brief homage the immeasurable and demanding amount of memories and stories that relate to Leo.

We know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their presence.

Leo may not have changed the world in any newsworthy way, but he changed our world. He showed us that true strength lies in gentleness, that love is expressed not just in words, but in actions, and that a life well-lived is one filled with kindness, integrity, and unwavering love for family.

In his final hours, as we sat by his bedside, Leo’s quiet strength never wavered. He faced the end with the same grace and dignity with which he had lived his life. His last words to us were simple, yet profound – just like Leo.

We will miss your gentle demeanor, your straightforward charisma and your reserved approach. Always loved, never forgotten. May your soul rest well.

Leo is survived by his loving life partner of 58 years, Kathryn (Young) Vaughn; his caring and cherished daughter, Dana (Douglas) Hermann; his two devoted and forever loved grandchildren, Olivia (Kendrick) Kronthal, and Griffin Hermann. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will sadly miss him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings. The family will hold a private service, and his ashes will be laid to rest at Falling Springs Cemetery in Overton County, Tennessee.