Russell Michael Vaughn

Russell Michael Vaughn died peacefully surrounded by his wife, Beverly, and his two children, Jennifer and Ryan, on Friday, October 9, 2009. Russell was born in Elizabethtown, Illinois on February 28, 1954 to Norma and James Vaughn (both deceased). He was also preceded in death by his sister, Melissa. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his sisters, Carol (Joe) Wojcik and Ada (Gale) Milligan, and brothers, James (Linda) Vaughn and Richard (Denise) Vaughn. He loved his children and was so proud of them. He was so happy that they were here for the last days of his life. He loved his family and friends and enjoyed a wonderful gathering in Chicago in July. Though he lived in various places throughout his life, he had a fondness for Harrisburg, IL. due to his family connection there. He had many relatives and friends residing in Harrisburg. He enjoyed going to the Eagle's, the American Legion, or the VFW. He loved a good poker game, a cold beer, a shot of brandy, his Kools, shooting pool, the Chicago Cubs, and the Chicago Bears. He continued his love of those things here in Washington State, where he was stationed for a majority of his military career. He was assigned to HHC 1st BN, 32d Armor FC, Fort Lewis. Russell served in the United State Army and was a Gulf War veteran. He received the Kuwait Liberation Medal from the Government of Kuwait and the Humanitarian Service Medal. He was a hard worker and dedicated employee at Vintage Wines (IL) when he became disabled due to his liver cancer and received a liver transplant on March 5, 2008 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. We were all overjoyed at the success of the transplant. Sadly, the cancer returned and he moved out to Washington State in January 2009. He and Beverly were married on January 24, 2009. On June 9, 2009, he was given 3-6 months to live. He lived in pain every day and never complained. He fought courageously but lost his battle and was finally at peace at the Franciscan Hospice House, Tacoma, WA. He will be missed everyday. We will never stop loving him and will always have fond memories of him. "God saw you getting tired, and whispered, "Come with me".