Billy Gene Vaughn, age 71, died Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at his home in Diehlstadt, surrounded by his family.

Born April 23, 1953, New Madrid, MO, to the late Joseph Miller "Jim" Vaughn and Dorothy Mae Wyatt Vaughn, he was a 1973 graduate of Charleston High School.   No stranger to hard work, Billy was employed at Steward Steel for over 35 years until his retirement.  He also did design and architectural work with construction and building projects.

Billy loved beagles and raised AKC registered beagle and participated in numerous shows and trials. Billy was an original member of the SEMO Beagle Club for over 55 years.

On February 2, 1974, he married Ethel Ruth Long, who survives of the home.

Also surviving is his son, John (CG) Vaughn of Diehlstadt; his grandchildren, Brittney Vaughn, Tristian Vaughn, Emyleigh Pendergrass and Alexis Pendergrass; his great grandchildren, Willow Greer and Elijah Vaughn; his brothers, Danny Vaughn of Sikeston and Ricky (Mary) Vaughn of Duck Creek; his sisters, Shirley Vaughn Evans of Sikeston and Lois Vaughn of LaCoste, TX; also, several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Eddie Vaughn and great grandson, Liam Dale Patrick.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. until time a memorial service at 8:00 p.m., Friday, July 5, 2024, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

In lieu of flowers, plants and gift items, the family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38015.

In honor of Billy's longtime commitment to the SEMO Beagle Club, the members of the club will hold a yearly "Billy Vaughn Memorial Beagle Trials" in his memory the last week of each November.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com