Douglas Robert Vaughn, Jr.

With a heart full of joy and fond memories, we celebrate the life of Douglas Vaughn, Jr., who was born on October 18, 1961, in Tuscola, IL, USA, and passed away on February 23, 2025, in La Porte, Texas.

Known affectionately by many as "Dougie," Douglas was a beacon of adventurism, courage, strength, and humor. His love for life was infectious and his sense of humor could bring a smile to his friends’ and family’s faces. The last ten years of his life he resided in La Porte, Texas, where he served his community on the sound and camera team and participated in community service projects as a member of the First Baptist Church of Pasadena under Doctor Charles Redmond.

Douglas was a truly valiant spirit, embodying bravery and curiosity in every facet of his life. He fought over five years a difficult battle with lymph node cancer. His sense of adventure was most evident in his travels around the world with the Navy. Douglas’ courage shone brightest when he was named one of the top plane captains on the USS Enterprise, one of the largest nuclear powered aircraft carriers in the Navy.

During his time in the Navy, he was awarded the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, with Bronze Star, and the Humanitarian Service Medal. His talents were diverse and prolific, from his professional achievements at Petco to his volunteering at Second Chance Pets, a rescue for stray cats and dogs. Douglas also brought joy to many as the PETCO Santa for holiday pet pictures for several years.

Douglas channeled his love for cats into adopting and fostering seven cats. While living in Colorado for five years, he volunteered at Chatfield State Park as a nature guide, sharing his knowledge and passion for wildlife with visitors. He loved to hike the Waterton Canyon along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with his wife and view bighorn sheep, otters, bears, and bald eagles.
Douglas was a dedicated fan of the Denver Broncos Football team, the Colorado Rockies, and the Houston Astros. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles in La Porte, Texas.

Surviving Douglas is his loving wife Tiffiny Vaughn; Sisters Elaine Mayorgas, Elaine Kenna and Sue Thrash, Great Nephews Edward Oliver, and John Oliver; Step Sisters Kayla Hunter and Lisa Baird; Aunt Carole Nussmeyer, Cousins Joy Pisulo and Amy Nussmeyer; Neice Taunya Dawson, Great Neice Isabella Dawson; and Brother-in-Laws Daryl Hunter.

He is preceded in death by his Father Douglas Sr, Mother Estelle Newhall Vaughn, Grandmother Charlotte Berry, Grandfather John Berry, Grandfather Leslie Vaughn, Brother Edward Vaughn, and Sister Traci Parker, and Cousin Mark Nussmeyer.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 15, 2025, at 1:00 pm CST at the Chapel at First Baptist Church-Pasadena. Douglas will be laid to rest on March 17, 2025, at 10:15 am at the Houston National Cemetery in Houston, Texas.

As we remember Douglas, we find solace in the words of the Bible, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9) Douglas' life was a testament to this verse. He was indeed strong, brave, courageous, and always filled with humor and love. We invite everyone who knew and loved Douglas to share their memories and upload photos to his memorial page, commemorating a life lived to the fullest.