Charles Vaughan

Charles Lee Vaughan, lovingly known to those close to him as Charlie, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 7, 2010 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis after battling lung cancer.

Charlie was born on December 10, 1941 in Springfield, Missouri and raised by Jess and Ester Foster. Growing up, Charlie loved playing sports, and he excelled regardless of the game. Charlie's speed and agility on the basketball court was so pronounced that his high school opponents nicknamed him "The Snake". Charlie also loved bowling, a sport that he mastered and remained involved with for his entire life. After graduating high school, Charlie joined the Marines. A dedicated and tough-minded man, Charlie served two tours in Vietnam before returning back home to join the Springfield Police Department. Charlie spent 28 years as an exemplary police officer before retiring in 1996 as a corporal. While proudly serving the city of Springfield, Charlie managed to find time to be a terrific father, passing on his tenacity, determination, faith, and quick wit to all of his children.

Throughout his 68 years, Charlie touched countless lives with his soft eyes, kind smile, and boundless charisma. As all his relatives can attest, you cannot go anywhere in Springfield without running into someone who knows, loves, and respects Charlie Vaughan.

Charlie is survived by his wife Melanie, his sons Bradley, Brian, and Zachery, and his daughters Veronica, Leslie, and Amanda. Charlie was also the oldest son in an extensive family he loved and cared for very much, and his friendships were rich and numerous. Memorial visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Herman Lohmeyer Funeral Home in Springfield on Wednesday, May 12.

Online condolences can be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.