Robert David Vaughan

Robert David (Robert, Bob, DaDa, RD) Vaughan I was born in Rising Star, Texas to Walter Bettis (Son) Vaughan and Kathleen Marie Kidd Vaughan.

He graduated from Menard High School in 1957. During his years there, Robert David, received several awards and accolades. He was voted Class Favorite and Most Popular by his peers. He held a school record in football that he held for fifty years. In track, RD, ran a 9.9 second 100-yard dash, excelled at the 220yard dash and 440-yard run.

After high school, he received a Scholarship in Track & Field to Texas Tech University. In 1958, Robert David transferred to Texas A&M University and majored in Mathematics. On 13 August 1960, he married his long-time sweetheart, Vivian Jane (Janie) Arnold Vaughan. The couple welcomed their first child, Robert David (Bobby) Vaughan II on 17 July 1961. Robert David graduated from Texas A&M University in December of 1961. He attended Arizona State University to begin graduate studies.

After one semester at Arizona State, he was offered a job with Northrup in Los Angeles, California. And, in 1963, Robert left Northrup and California to move back to Texas to take a position with the National Air and Space Administration (NASA) near Houston. The young family was back in their beloved state. They relocated to Friendswood, TX. And, on 6 June 1964, Robert and Janie, welcomed their second son, Stephen Arnold Vaughan. Robert retired from NASA in 1995. The retirees eventually moved to the Greenway Plaza area of downtown Houston in 1999 where they lived together until they became beautiful, shining stardust in the Universe. Robert, Janie and their boys moved to Alvin, Texas in 1972 where they lived throughout their sons’ college careers. Their oldest son, Bobby became a veterinarian and their youngest, Stephen, was a Marine with the USMC; and, then became a financial advisor when he returned to civilian life.

Robert David and Janie are predeceased by both sets of parents. They are survived by their sons Dr. Robert David (Bobby) Vaughan II, his spouse Caroline, Stephen Vaughan, his spouse, Esperanza (Hope), Robert’s brother Bruce and his spouse, Beth.

Grandchildren Victoria and her spouse Ben, Trey, Boston, Christina, Jeremy and Isabella. And, by their great-grandson, Roman.

Janie is survived by her sisters, Andra Arnold Abbott, her spouse Patrick, and Yvonne (Vonnie) Arnold Meyer. Also, many loved cousins, nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024 in the Menard Episcopal Church at 10:00 am. The ashes of Robert David and Janie will be interred at the Fort McKavett Cemetery following the church service. After the interment, welcome to a Celebration of Life event being held at the Fort McKavett Fire House.