Richard Vaughn, much beloved father, pastor, and friend, went home to be with his Lord Saturday, March 29, 2014, after a multi-year struggle with MDS, and finally, leukemia. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends for his ever caring and encouraging ways. He sought to follow God, and share God’s love, throughout his life and ministry.

Richard was born October 15, 1933, to William C. and Ada F. (Martin) Vaughn of Clarkston, Wash. He was educated in Clarkston schools, graduating early from Clarkston High School. In February 1951 Richard went on to Washington State University, and then transferred to Wheaton College, receiving his B.A. in 1954. Richard married the love of his life, Darlyne Walker, on June 11, 1956. They both attended Multnomah School of the Bible. Richard went on to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, receiving his B.D. in 1960.

Richard was ordained to the ministry in 1958, starting his first pastoral duties at Prospect Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, returning to the northwest in 1960 to shepherd Trinity Baptist in Clarkston. He went on to pastor at Quincy Baptist, East Valley (Trentwood) Baptist, Medical Lake Baptist, Windsor Baptist, and Athol Baptist churches. Pastor Vaughn was the senior pastor at Windsor for just shy of 30 years, ministering nearly 50 years in the Spokane area. His heart was in mission work, and Pastor Vaughn and his family applied for foreign mission field service and supported local outreach. Richard's wife, Darlyne, was his partner in ministry and life, serving in music and teaching while working full time in nursing at Deaconess Hospital and Valley Medical Center.

Richard enjoyed sports in high school and college, running the half mile in 2:03. He loved people and was a very positive influence whether it was his grandkids, young people competing in sports, his extended family and friends, or professional associates. Richard liked outdoor activities and took his family camping, hiking and fishing over the years. Ten mile hikes to mountain lakes with five grade school/preschool boys was exciting.

Richard and Darlyne bought property near Priest Lake and Granite Creek, Idaho, for recreation, and frequented this through the years. They also built a home in Bayview, Idaho, at Cape Horn overlooking Lake Pend Oreille.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 50 years, Darlyne; parents, William and Ada; sister, Alice Brynteson; brother, Quentin Vaughn; sister-in-law, Verna Vaughn; and two grandchildren: Nicole and Austin Vaughn. He is survived by five sons: Wes (Mary), Greg (Pam), Mike (Stacy), Ken (Ivonne), and Ray Vaughn; 11 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; brother, Harold (LuNetta) of Clarkston; sister, Lucille of Colville; brother-in-law, Gus Brynteson of Fox Island; and brother-in-law Ray (Pat) Walker of Otis Orchards.

A memorial service is set for 2 p.m., Saturday, April 12, at Valleypoint Church, 714 S. Pines Road, Spokane Valley, Wash., with Rev. Barry Sherwood officiating. Pastor Vaughn’s graveside service was previously held at Fairmount Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Valley View Baptist Church, 6006 E. 8th Ave., Spokane, Wash., 99212, for northwest missions (Sylvia Wilson Offering), foreign missions (Lottie Moon Offering), or the Spokane Union Gospel Mission.