Jerry L Vaughn

Mr. Jerry Vaughn, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away on Saturday, May 14, 2022. 

Jerry began his journey July 18, 1941, in Portsmouth, Ohio, born to Charles and Helen (Applegate) Vaughn.  After graduation from Portsmouth High School, he entered the United States Marines in 1959 where he completed basic training at Camp Lejenue, NC and served until 1964.   While still in the reserves, he attended the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy and began his service in 1965. Jerry served as Trooper (Wilmington), Sergeant (1975, Gallipolis), and Lieutenant (1984, Steubenville), throughout the state of Ohio.  He earned many accolades for service such as District Trooper of the Year, Post 14 in 1973. Jerry retired from the Patrol in 1990. He and Renee moved to Florida in 1990.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Helen (Applegate) Vaughn and by his first wife, Sherry Lee (Bauer) Vaughn. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, S. Renee (Smith) Vaughn; children, Regina (Sean) Brown, Matthew (Keiko) Vaughn and Nichole (Kyle) Tanner; grandchildren, Jesse Russell, Stephan Vaughn, Natasha Vaughn, Alexa Tanner, Samantha Tanner; great-grandchildren Charli Gerten, Chandler Gerten; Aunt, Inez Boling; Uncle Earl Applegate; Brother-in- law and sister -in-law, Edward and Karen Bauer. 

Jerry was a man of strong principles. He took his job as state trooper very seriously. Upon retirement, he became an avid fisherman. It was his daily routine to fish every morning, then go home and watch old westerns on TV.  Though these things were a part of his life, nothing was more important to Jerry than his family. He devoted his life to his family, friends, and fishing buddies, and nothing came before their needs or the opportunity to spend time with them.

The family wishes to honor Jerry in a private celebration. In lieu of flowers, they ask that donations be made to Crossed Paws Animal Rescue, as Jerry was very fond of animals.

To donate:
Crossed Paws website (go to "Make a Donation" and when you enter your name, add "for Jerry Vaughn")

Donate via PayPal (be sure to put Jerry's name in the "What's this payment for" section)

or Mail donation to:
Crossed Paws Pet Rescue
2720 Havendale Blvd
Winter Haven, FL 33881

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerry L Vaughn, please visit our floral store.