William Patty Vaughan was born January 3, 1932 in Butte, Montana to parents Champ Clark and Mary Marvel (Corcoran) Vaughan. He was a beloved sibling to Jean and Champ.
William attended and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1950.
William worked as a box boy in a grocery store where Loretta Hettling worked in the soda fountain. William asked Loretta's mom who worked in the meat market if he could ask her out. The rest is history. The two were wed on August 9, 1952, St. Anthony SE Portland, OR
Following his High School years, William went on to serve in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean War.
After William's time served in the Air Force, he moved onward and pursued higher education at the University of Portland, ultimately earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration.
William and Loretta raised six children while owning and operating several successful grocery stores...He was a true grocer through and through.
William held closely in his memory the time spent at Lake Crescent, Washington with Loretta where they spent many cherished days together.
William was a devout Catholic and church volunteer, and he supported the food pantry in Lincoln City, OR. He also served as a faithful member to Knights of Columbus.
William and Loretta made a home on Devils Lake in Otis, OR from 1988 to 2015. So many deeply cherished and vivid memories were made indelible during this window of time. Together the family shared beach time, played Croquet or a game of Horse, softball in the backyard, movie nights with popcorn, and Sunday breakfast. The Devil's Lake home was a focal family destination for holidays and BBQs.
William will be forever remembered for his commitment to helping others and for his care for those in need.
William's most precious memories and greatest gifts are his lifelong partnership with Loretta and for the births of each of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
It has been said that William was as a man who was steadfast and strong in his faith. He was committed to the care and support of a family he deeply loved. William held compassion for and offered service to his fellow human beings as well.
The following are some "sayings" dad always shared with us:
Trust in God, Stay close to God.
If God leads you to it, He will lead you through it, keep your chin up, do your best, don't give up.
Smile and the world smiles with you.
Live, Laugh, Love.
William is predeceased by his father, Champ Clark (1986) and Mother Mary Marvel (Corcoran) Vaughan (1992); sister, Jean Martini (2016); son, Glenn Paul Vaughan (1978); grandson, Sergeant Michael Louis Vaughan (2007); and daughter-in-law Debra Lue Vaughan (2008).
William is survived by his wife of almost 73 years Loretta; daughters Diane Pine (Scott), Patty Vaughan, and Karen Zemke (Sam); sons Mark Vaughan (Kathy), and George Vaughan; eight grandchildren: Loretta, Shari, Laura, Mathew, Christopher, Marylynn, Jessica, and William; 15 great-grandchildren; brother Champ Vaughan (Maria); and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Roy and Ruby Hettling.
A Memorial Mass will be held at the Mary's Woods Chapel in Lake Oswego on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 11AM.
A Reception will follow the Memorial Mass. All are welcome to attend the reception at Nathman. Please use the campus shuttle as there is no parking available. The shuttle is outside the main front entrance of the Provincial House. Thank you
William will be laid to rest with US Air Force Military Honors and Ceremonial Committal in St. Paul Cemetery, St. Paul, Oregon on Friday, May 23rd, at 11AM.
Remembrances may be made to Oregon Food Bank or to Catholic Charities. Thank you.