Frederick Alan Vaughan

Frederick Alan Vaughan, age 81, passed away on September 15, 2026, in Dallas, Texas. He was known by all as Rick. Rick was born on December 27, 1944, in Kansas City, Missouri, to James Raymond and Helene Vaughan. He was raised in Westwood, Kansas, graduated from Wentworth Military Academy in 1963, and then attended Kansas State College. He worked in the jewelry business for the majority of his life, both as a jewelry sales representative and as the owner of Bermuda Gold in Grapevine, Texas. He married the love of his life, Dianna Kay Vaughan, in 1989.

Rick was an adventurous soul. He loved to travel, always looking for a new adventure and challenge. Because of this desire to see the world, he spent his early years working on a merchant marine ship, which gave him the opportunity to travel all over Europe, Japan, and other countries. Following his time on the ship, he lived on both the East Coast and the West Coast, as well as areas in between. His love for adventure led him through several careers, including serving on the police force, race car driving, and ultimately entering the jewelry business. His years as a jewelry sales representative took him all over the country until he settled down somewhat to open his own store, Bermuda Gold, in Grapevine, Texas.

His adventures didn't stop there. He later moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he worked as a hardware manufacturer's representative for Home Depot and Lowe's stores, giving him another chance to keep traveling across the states. Ultimately, after all his travels, Tennessee became his favorite place.

Rick had a passion for fast, sporty cars, classic cars, and motorcycles-especially English bikes-as well as the Kansas City Chiefs. It was always a surprise to the neighbors what Rick would be driving next; he was driving his Corvette until just before the end, and he loved riding his Triumph on country backroads because it gave him such freedom. (And the Chiefs are continuing to give him wins this season!)

Rick loved talking to people and never met a stranger. He was always the first in the neighborhood to greet someone new and was ready to help in any way he could. Known affectionately in the neighborhood as the "Mayor," he made countless friends over the years just by striking up a conversation. He loved to tease, joke around, and share a laugh.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, James Raymond and Helene Vaughan.

He is survived by his wife, Kay Vaughan; his children, Cinnamon Vaughan, Angie Stillwell (Cory), Stephen Gardner (Juliet), and Paul Gardner; nine grandchildren; and many, many friends, all of whom love him very much. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Contributions in Rick's honor may be made to The Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 3, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. This will be a come-and-go gathering at 3509 Clarion Lane, Tyler, Texas.