Ernie Vaughn Jr.

Ernie Vaughn Jr., of Lakewood, New Jersey, originally from Jefferson City, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, October 18, 2011, after a three-month illness. Ernie was a 1951 graduate of St. Peter High School, and attended Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska for two years on a basketball scholarship. He then served in the United States Army as an SP4 until 1954. He graduated from the University of Missouri in 1956. After a long and successful career in the insurance industry, Ernie retired from his firm as an executive vice-president. Ernie was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team; and he was aware that they were headed to the 2011, World Series. He enjoyed golf, reading, and most of all, spending time with his family. Ernie and his wife were in Jefferson City, in July of this year, for a visit with his mother, siblings and other family members. He is survived by his wife, Joanne Vaughn; their four sons, and 11 grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother, Mattie (Vaughn) Klepper, longtime resident of Jefferson City, Missouri, and by two brothers and four sisters, all of whom reside in Missouri: Juanita Etter of Jefferson City, Brenda Bruner of Springfield, David Vaughn of Ozark, Tom Vaughn, Mary Vaughn and Debbi Clarke of Columbia. Funeral services were held at the D'elia Funeral Home in Lakewood, New Jersey on Friday, October 21. A private family memorial service will be held on Sunday afternoon, October 23, in Jefferson City.