Jerry Vaughan

Jerry Vaughan passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 5, 2024 in Port Richey, Florida. He leaves behind his beloved family—his longtime wife (Anne Vaughan) and their two daughters (Annette Bannister and Dr. Christine Vaughan), their son-in-law (Rev. Bo Bannister), their four grandchildren (Joy (19), Strat (17), Beth (14), and Ben Bannister (12)), and his younger brother (Randy Vaughan). He was preceded in death by his parents (Joseph and Frances Vaughan) and by his older brother (Larry Vaughan). He was loved by all and will be missed greatly. 

Jerry was born on April 29, 1943 in Lexington, KY, but he spent his youth in Evansville, IN. After he and Anne were married in Evansville, they went on an extended honeymoon, touring the country, including the Grand Canyon, and considering where they might like to settle. They liked Texas the best and moved there soon after. A few years later, they had their first child there. After a while, they moved to Ohio, where they had their second child and enjoyed those early years of parenting. Finally, in their mid-30’s, they moved to their dream state, Florida. 

Among his many pursuits, Jerry was a lifelong Kentucky Wildcats basketball fan. We all have happy memories of him leaping out of his armchair for joy at exciting rim shots and angrily shouting at the TV for bad calls by refs. In his late 60’s, he bought season tickets to their games, and he and wife Anne frequently drove up to see them. (This way, the refs could appreciate his advice in person.)

Jerry loved math, and he was always teaching math tricks to his children and grandchildren. He majored in math and physics at the University of Evansville and then obtained his Master’s degree from Indiana State University while teaching math full-time. He later shifted careers and became a Certified Financial Planner for Ameriprise Financial, retiring from this position in his mid-60’s.

In his youth, Jerry played his clarinet in the band and orchestra in elementary school and in the marching band in high school. He thoroughly enjoyed listening to Benny Goodman and other clarinetists in his spare time. As a parent, he frequently subjected his offspring to the tunes of these brilliant artists, yet sadly for him, they did not appreciate them as he did. Some time in his 40s, he dusted off his old clarinet and joined the church orchestra to play again. In his 70’s, he passed on his love of clarinet playing to his two oldest grandchildren and began to give them clarinet lessons over Zoom on a weekly basis for years. His grandchildren also carried on the progeny tradition of listening to Benny Goodman soundtracks. Fortunately for him, he found a much more appreciative audience in them!

Jerry was also a humorous person, always quick with a clever pun or joke. His laugh was infectious when he was amused by something, and he had the best uproarious laughter. 

Throughout his life, Jerry enjoyed a meandering, pretty drive by the water. He and Anne would frequently explore the beach and river drives from Port Richey to Clearwater. 

He faithfully attended churches in Pasco County and Pinellas County over the years, volunteering in several musical programs. He was also very active in the Gideons’ ministry.

A memorial ceremony will begin Friday July 26, 2024 at 4:30 pm in the common room of Abigail Court Apartments at 7850 Washington Street, Port Richey, FL. This ceremony is a time for friends and family to gather to remember Jerry’s life together. Those who knew him are welcome to attend and share a special story about him. Refreshments will be available afterward.