Kenneth (Kenny) Richard Vaughn was born August 25, 1937, in Independence, Missouri to Hyman and Dorothy (Smith) Vaughn. He departed this earth February 13, 2023.

Kenny graduated from Van Horn High School in 1956, and entered into the United States Air Force where he flew as a load master for 15 years. He was also cross trained as a machinist. However, Kenny's first job was on Project Discovery before there was NASA catching space capsules.

Kenny also worked as a weapons mechanic and as a special weapons mechanic. He was cross trained to a load master, computing weight and balances, loading, unloading, and air cropping cargo and people. Because of being a loadmaster instructor, he worked his way into research/development and testing. He assisted in the writing of the procedures for all airdrops still in use today.

Kenny retired from the Air Force in May 1977 and went to work at ARMCO Steel for 4 years until they closed. He then went to work at Swift as a meat packer for 2 years. He and his wife Remy moved to Osceola in 1986 and went to work for Rival as a tool and die machinist.

Kenny retired for good in 1999. He moved back to Cole Camp in 2003.

Kenny was preceded in death by his wife Remy, his daughter Lori, parents: Hyman and Dorothy Vaughn, sisters: Patty, Sharon, and Judy.

He is survived by his sister Melba Sharp and 23 nieces, nephews, and many great nieces and nephews.

Kenny was a lifetime member of the American Legion as well as a proud lifetime member of both the VFW, and Eagles organizations.

Some of his favorite pastimes were fishing with his best friend, Bob Roman and bowling. He also enjoyed going to church on Sundays with his sister Melba. Kenny really enjoyed poker nights with his nephew Mike Davis, and friends. Especially since he would usually end up the big winner!

Kenny will be missed by many family and friends. He will always be in our hearts and prayers.