Vaught, Donald L.

Don lost his long,

hard-fought battle with

heart and lung disease on

Sunday, April 18, 2010,

surrounded by his loved

ones at Hoag Hospital.

He was born in Redondo

Beach to Charles and Pearl

Vaught and spent most of

his childhood in Idaho on

a ranch, where he learned

to ride horses, hunt, fish

and gained his love of the

outdoors. Always athletic, he lettered in pole-vault and

shot-put and was president of the Hi-Y. He was a member

of US Forces Korea, US Army Signal Corp. 1950-

1953. After college he became an aerospace engineer at

Rockwell International (Defense Electronics), where his

co-workers looked forward to the bourbon balls he would

make every Christmas (you could do that then) until he

happily retired after 31 years.

He was honest, hardworking, humorous; enjoyed

being on a bowling league with friends and could make

or fix anything (which came in handy for all who knew

him). He loved his daughters and enjoyed taking them

fishing, to their tennis matches, fixing the small booboos

and when they got older tried to help them with

the big boo-boos of life too. Upon retirement he enjoyed

art classes with his wife, became an avid reader, liked

making furniture, played golf with his friends and took

on a new job as the best Papa in the world to his many

grandchildren. He attended every school award, recital,

sporting event and graduation he could until his health

wouldn’t permit. Due to unexpected circumstances he

had his daughters and grandchildren living with him off

and on at different times though the years, always with

the open arms of nothing but unconditional love, support

and humor.

He is survived by his wife of 51 yrs. Georgine,

daughters Dawn, Diedra, Dana, sons-in-law Wrede and

Jose, grandchildren Kaley, Kelsey, Samantha, Kristina,

Brock, Chase and the family dogs Ellie and Bella. His

loving spirit will be carried on in those he loved. We will

miss all your stories Papa.

A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, May 16,

2010 at noon at the American Legion #291, in Newport

Beach. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the

American Lung Association.