Larry Vaughn
Larry Lockhard Vaughn, 56, passed away Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008, at his home in Kila, due to a heart attack.
Larry was born July 23, 1951, in Ames, Iowa, to Robert Lockhard Vaughn I and Virginia Ethel Vaughn. He was raised in California.
He attended Moorpark College in California, where he received his associate's degree and became an accredited logging professional through the Montana Logging Association.
Larry began his family in Simi Valley, Calif., with his first wife Connie. Together they raised two sons, Robert and Jesse. He began his career as a concrete contractor.
Larry later moved on to become a cowboy on a working cattle ranch in Jamestown, Calif., where he met and married his second wife Susan. In the 1980s, the couple moved to Whitefish where they raised daughters Cody, Vanessa and Bailey. They built and ran the Whitetail Ranch in Whitefish, and the Whitetail Land and Cattle Company.
Shortly after, Larry and his brother-in-law Scott started a new concrete company in Kalispell. Larry later went on to develop the Ashley Lake Estates. He became an avid logger for Plum Creek and other private parties. He loved to socialize with all of his friends throughout the Flathead Valley.
Larry enjoyed camping and hunting in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. His other hobbies included roping, horseback riding, helping his children with their 4-H projects and completing projects around his home.
With his third wife, Michelle, whom he married in 1996 in Montana, he built a beautiful ranch in Kila. Together they have three sons, CJ, Logan and Westly.
He loved his family and was the happiest when he was spending time with them. He was very loved by his family and will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Virginia Ethel Vaughn; aunt and uncle Betty and Doyle Stagers; and grandparents Elza and Gertrude Harness, and Blanche and Henry Vaughn.
Larry is survived by his wife of 12 years, Michele (Dupre) Vaughn; father Robert Lockhard Vaughn I; children Robert L. Vaughn II, Jesse Vaughn, Cody Bartholomew, Vanessa Vaughn, Bailey Vaughn, C.J. Vaughn, Logan Vaughn and Wesly Vaughn; sisters Sandy Ayers, Roberta Gamblin and Gail Burghardt; and grandchildren Robert Vaughn, Trent Vaughn, Austin Vaughn and Justin Gronley.
A memorial service took place Feb. 2, 2008, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Burial followed at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.
Memorials may be sent to Michele Vaughn in care of Buffalo Hills Funeral Home or to the family home at 975 Truman Creek Road, Kila MT 59920.