A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, at All Saints Episcopal Church in Grenada for Mr. Donald Vaughan, 83, of Grenada, who died on Friday, Nov. 4, in Jackson. The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. until service time on Sunday, Nov. 13, at All Saints Episcopal Church.
Donald Lee Vaughan was born on March 13, 1939, in Webster County, the son of the late Homer Lee Vaughan and Mary Omalene Stewart Vaughan. After graduating from John Rundle High School, he attended Memphis State University. While he was there, he played saxophone with various bands in the Memphis area including, Les Brown and his Band of Renown. Before his sophomore year, he was recruited by the Ole Miss band director and was privileged to accompany the Ole Miss band to perform in the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair.
After graduating from Ole Miss with a degree in music education, Donald embarked on a working life of multiple careers during which he would say he never worked a day in his life. This was because he loved what he did, particularly because it involved people and teaching.
Donald’s first career was spent as a band director at Yazoo City High School for 10 years where he was primarily responsible for the marching band, the stage band and directing various stage musicals. Next, he spent 23 years as an independent sales representative. During that time, he was president of the Dixie Children’s Market as well as owner of the Birmingham Children’s Clothing Market. For his final career, he spent 13 years teaching second- and third-grade music at Grenada Elementary School. Throughout all this time, he would assist his father with painting and paper hanging.
Donald was an active member of All Saints Episcopal Church, serving as Junior and Senior Warden multiple times. He was also instrumental in the establishment of both St. Nicholas Treasure Chest and All Saints House. In 2013, he was honored as the recipient of the Book of Golden Deeds from the Grenada Exchange Club. Most of all he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. There is no doubt that he loved those around him.
In addition to his parents, his brother, Ronald S. Vaughan; his special aunt, Dorene Stewart, and several aunts and uncles, preceded Donald in death.
Survivors include, his wife of 60 years, Shirley Whitaker Vaughan; his daughters, Paula Lee Vaughan and Beth Vaughan Muselwhite (David), all of Grenada; his grandson, Bailey Muselwhite (Madeleine) of Austin, Texas; his granddaughter, Elizabeth Muselwhite of Grenada and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the University of Mississippi Medical Centers in Grenada and Jackson for the care and support shown to Donald.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to St. Nicholas Treasure Chest and The Food Pantry at All Saints Episcopal Church.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada is in charge of arrangements.
