Jeffrey Dean Vaughn, 70, of rural Lomax, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, January 25, 2026 at his home.
Jeff was born October 20, 1955 in Burlington, Iowa, the son of Haven D. and Betty R. (Myers) Vaughn.
Jeff was a 1974 graduate of Dallas City High School. Following high school, he double majored in Political Science and Business Administration at the College of the Ozarks. While in college, he developed a passion for canoeing and spelunking nearby caves. College years were among his happiest memories. Also in his early years, he enjoyed hunting and helping his father on the farm. Following his schooling, he worked several jobs; most notably as a stock trader, meter reader, insurance salesman and at the Niota Fish Market. In recent years, Jeff enjoyed golfing, attending his great-nieces’ sporting events, hosting family gatherings at the farm and traveling with family.
Survivors include one sister: Joyce (Randol) DeSotel; one nephew: Tyler (Alison) DeSotel; one niece: Jill (Kent) Rigg; five great-nieces: Marie, Kate and Nora DeSotel and Avery and Ella Rigg; one great-nephew: Owen Rigg and his eight cousins: Lynn (John) Herrera, Leigh (Tim) Bennett, Donna (Brian) Anderson, Diana (Dale) Helling, Denise (Chris) Hanley, Lance (Danielle) Vaughn, Cheryl Myers and Mitchell (Jackie) Myers.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his aunts and uncles: Jack and Mary Ann Myers, Donald and Jeanne Vaughn, Hubert Vaughn and Bud and Sidney Hosford.
Cremation has been entrusted to Banks & Beals Funeral Home.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 9, 2026, at Crane Cemetery, near Lomax. A memorial fund has been established for the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Iowa.