Stephen Alan Vaughn

Stephen Alan Vaughn



Anna, IL - Stephen "Steve" Alan Vaughn, 74, originally of Danvers, IL, beloved brother and son, died peacefully at the Illinois Veterans Home at Anna, IL on May 7, 2021 where he spent his final weeks surrounded by family and his many loving friends and devoted caregivers.



He was born June 16, 1946 in Bloomington, IL to Margaret Jean Vaughn (Gilliam).



Survivors include his brother, Jak (Monica) Tichenor of Carbondale, IL; sister, Jeannine (Jeff) Herzer of St. Joseph, MO; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.



He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Ramsey, of Metropolis, IL; his father, Napoleon Bonaparte Vaughn, of eastern Tennessee; grandparents Lester and Mollie (Lovin) Gilliam of Danvers, IL; aunt Ruth Allen of Pekin, IL; and uncles Loy Gilliam and Joseph Gilliam.



Steve was raised by his grandparents Lester and Mollie Gilliam on their farm near Bloomington and graduated from Danvers High School in 1966 where he was a member of the Future Farmers of America. He loved driving tractors on the farm and raising sheep, including a very stubborn ram he aptly named "Budgewater." He had a passion for the natural world and spent many happy days climbing the richly forested bluffs and rocky hillsides of the Shawnee National Forest as a teenager.



Steve served in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge in October, 1966. He worked for a time as a barge deckhand on the Ohio River, but a chronic illness made it impossible for him to have a full-time career. There were many ups and down during his lifetime, but he remained at heart, a kind, loving soul who made friends easily and cared deeply for others.



Steve's ability to make and keep friends came into its own 16-years ago when he became a resident of the Illinois Veterans Home at Anna, the place where he truly lived his best life. He thrived in the warm, caring environment created by the many wonderful staff and administrators there who treated him like family. He made many friends among the older residents and helped them daily by pushing their wheelchairs, running errands for them, and sharing endless stories about life. He especially loved outings when he and his friends and family could go to 17th Street Barbeque and the Brick House Grill.



Steve's enduring legacy will be the close bonds he developed with his many friends over the years at the Veterans Home. Our family will never forget his caregivers' love and appreciation for him and the many kindnesses showed to him, especially during his final illness. We will always be grateful to the staff at the Veterans Home and for the way they cared for Steve and our other veterans with such professionalism, dignity, friendship, love, and respect.



We also want to thank the families of the many Veterans Home residents who got to know Steve and cherished his friendship during their loved ones' time there. You will always be part of our family circle.



A private service will be held for family followed by burial at the Mound City National Cemetery. Funeral arrangements provided by G. Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale, IL.



Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois.