Gardner Vaughn passed from this life into his
heavenly home on January 22, 2018
at the age of 86. He was a Godly man who loved his family and his country.
Gardner was born in Tallulah, Louisiana on April 13, 1931 to Elmer and Marie
Vaughn. Gardner was the first
of three sons. Gardner and his brothers, Jim and
Reggie, enjoyed a delightful childhood filled with many happy adventures.
After graduating from Ouachita Parish High School in Monroe, Louisiana, Gardner
made the
decision to serve his country by joining the United States Navy in 1950.
He attended the Navy School of Music in Washington DC and served his tour as a
band member on a number of ships during the Korean War. After
returning
home, Gardner attended Northwestern State University, where he thoroughly
enjoyed playing in both the College Band and the Demonaire Dance Band, while
pursuing his education. While at NSU, Gardner met and
married the love of his
life, Maurine Harville. Gardner received his Bachelor of Music in Education from
NSU and later obtained his Master of Arts Degree +30 in Music Education at
Louisiana Tech. Gardner, an
accomplished percussionist, made his passion his
career by becoming a band director and sharing his love of music with many
Junior High and High School students throughout Louisiana and Texas. He also
enjoyed teaching
choral music at various churches throughout Louisiana.
Gardner revived his military career by joining the Louisiana Army National Guard,
playing with the 156 th Army Band. After retiring from teaching in the public school
system, Gardner was among the first group of instructors for the Louisiana Youth
Challenge Program. Gardner was also privileged to launch The New Horizons
Senior Citizen Band in Alexandria, Louisiana, which he enjoyed
immensely.
Gardner Vaughn was predeceased by his parents, Elmer and Marie Vaughn of
West Monroe, Louisiana; brother, James A. Vaughn of Conroe, Texas; and
granddaughter, Hope Elizabeth Vaughn of Hicks.
Gardner was faithfully devoted to his beloved wife of 62 years. Even toward the
end of his life, he described Maurine as “the only girl for me.” Gardner Vaughn
was an inspirational example of integrity and deep faith. He
leaves that legacy of
faith for his three children, Christie Smith and her husband Bobby of Hockley,
Texas, Jennifer Estes and her husband JB of Hicks, Louisiana, and Brady Vaughn
and his wife Sylvia of Hicks,
Louisiana.

Gardner is also survived by his brother, Reggie Vaughn of Bossier City, Louisiana,
as well as his grandchildren; Aimee Frost, Adam Vaughn, Leigha Wise, Katelyn
Bolton, Melissa Estes, Johnathan
Bolton; Faith and Emma Vaughn, and great
grandchildren, Braxton, Alexandra, and Maddox Frost, Adriana, Alicia, and Alaina
Wise and Luis Arboleda III, along with many nephews and nieces.
A visitation will be held at
The Church House, 2013 Alexandria Highway, Leesville,
Louisiana from 6 PM to 9 PM, January 24, 2018. A funeral service will be held at
10 AM January 25, 2018 also at The Church House, followed by a final salute at
2:00 p.m. at The Veterans Cemetery, Leesville, Louisiana.