Donald Keith Vaughan

Donald Keith Vaughan (Don) was born on March 5, 1929, in Port Orchard, Washington to his parents Clyde and Florence (Peters) Vaughan.

Don attended school in Port Orchard and graduated from South Kitsap High School in 1947. Following graduation, he played shortstop with the Bremerton Cruisers, a local semi-pro baseball team and worked at Peninsula Feed, his family’s local feed store.

During their childhood, Don and his older sister, Vivian, spent time with their mother’s family, who settled the Big Bottom Valley in Randle, WA. He had fond memories of the Peters side of the family.

Don’s Grandfather, Charles started Peninsula Grain Company, which later became Peninsula Feed. They had locations in Silverdale, Sequim and Port Orchard.

Don met Ava (Martens) Houston in 1949 and they began a life-long courtship. Anyone who knew them, knew they adored one another.

In 1954, Don graduated from the University of Washington, where he also played shortstop on the baseball team.

Following college, Don joined the Air Force where he achieved the rank of 1st Sergeant and was a Pay Master. He was stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

After leaving the Air Force, Don returned to Port Orchard, where he ran the feed store with his father, delivering feed and eggs up and down the Kitsap peninsula. He also began his lifetime love of aviation.
In July of 1976, Don and Ava were married and settled at their place on Long Lake. With the sale of the feed store in 1974, Don changed focus and converted his Olalla chicken ranch into a private air strip and then sold lots to other aviation enthusiasts. It is now known as “Vaughan Ranch Airfield”.

Don helped Ava in raising her two boys, Robert and James Houston. In addition, he took on the raising of grandchildren, when needed, and was a familiar face at sports activities of his grand- and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, and his beloved wife, Ava. Don is survived by sons Robert (Louella) Houston and James (Maria) Houston, 5 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren.

A service will be held to celebrate his 95 years of life – Friday, July 19th 11:00 a.m. (Rill Chapel)
In keeping with Grandpa’s lifelong love of baseball, we encourage you to wear your favorite baseball jersey to his celebration of life.