Steven Clay Vaughn

Steven Clay Vaughn came bursting into this world on May 15, 1957, the only child to Jack and Nora Vaughn. Known as the Earl of Wichita, unfortunately, Steve's reign came to an end on August 30, 2025.

Steve spent his youth wreaking havoc in Riverside and rescuing all the animals he could. The “expert roach clip maker” graduated early from North High. Then followed in his father's footsteps to KG&E powerplant in Colwich where he stayed in operations for 42 years. He made his life and raised his family in Cheney, Kansas. Steve and Judy were married 28 years before her passing in 2015.

Steve was a lot of things to a lot of people in and around his community. Steve could be found mowing, fishing, playing guitar, antiquing, cleaning his cars, or shooting the breeze with everyone he met. Passionate, funny and stubborn to a fault, Steve would be upset to find he didn't go out in a blazing bass boat on Grand Lake.

Steve loved animals and nature more than anything. His heart was enormous and his empathy for all living things knew no bounds. Steve reveled in working for the Green Team through KG&E and giving back to others. The outdoors was his church and where he felt the most attuned with God. 

From his short trip on this earth, Steve leaves behind his two daughters, Emily (Dean) Whitford and Erin (Logan) Markus, grandchildren, Paisley and Van, his girlfriend Cynthia Avelar, great friends and family all over, his prized truck, a ton of kerosene lamps, and more fishing poles than anyone could ever want. PapaSquatch will be sorely missed, but is once again reunited with his dog Louise, Judy, and his folks. 

The memorial service will be held at Cheney Methodist Church on September 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local animal shelter. 

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