 |
 IN
MEMORY OF
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From your shipmates: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 11-02...
Keith Vaughn, 86, his wife Carrie, 81, were tragically killed in an automobile
accident on April 18, 2000.
Upon hearing the terrible news of their untimely death close friend and
Flotilla comrade, Bill Marett, had this to say about Keith and Carrie Vaughn:
Keith and Carrie Vaughn WERE the Coast Guard Auxiliary in middle Tennessee, and
their loss is a staggering blow to all that knew and loved them.
Keith joined the 11-02 shortly after World War II, before most of today's
lakes were even built. He is responsible for more boaters being educated,
more members trained, more service to his country, than any Auxiliarist to
have served in this area. Carrie is a pioneer of women in the Auxiliary.
She had to join in Chattanooga, because the men of Nashville refused to
accept that women could serve as Auxiliarists. Today, women are not only a
large percentage of our members, but serve in most of our important leadership
positions. Each one owes her a debt of gratitude. Together Keith and Carrie
made the Auxiliary their extended family. No social event or gathering was
considered a success unless Keith and Carrie attended. No achievement was
significant, unless Keith and Carrie, conveyed their approval.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary in Nashville has lost its Mother and Father. Our loss is as
profound and hard to accept as if they were our own flesh and blood. they
will not only be missed, but they are irreplaceable.
Keith Vaughn was born March 19, 1914 in Nashville, Tennessee where he attended
Hume-Fogg High School and graduated from Peabody Demonstration School.
Keith became an active member in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary after WWII
and for nearly 40 years serving as Division Captain, as a District Staff
Officer, and as Flotilla Commander of 11-02. Keith obtained
every Auxiliary qualification and specialty designation. Even up to the time of
his death, Keith served as a coxwain, Qualifications Examiner, Vessel Examiner,
Aids to Navigation, Communications and as an instructor. He is survived
by sons, C. Keith Vaughn III and Sam P. Vaughn; 8 grandchildren and 4 great-
grandchildren; 2 sisters, Mary Sue Cheek and Ann Poindexter.
Carrie Vaughn was born November 13, 1920 in Bedford County where she also
attended school. She retired from Nashville Metropolitan Government serving
as office manager at Bordeaux Hospital. She was a member of Hillsboro
Presbyterian Church. Together with her husband, she became an active member
of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for 30 years and served as Flotilla Commander
of 11-02.
She is survived by sons, C. Keith Vaughn III and Sam P. Vaughn; 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren;
sister, Virginia P. Phillips and brother, Charles Pickle of Shelbyville.
"Their dream was to keep 11-02 alive and well, after all they were there to see
it grow almost from the start. They meant more to me and my family than words
can tell. My wife Pam said you never saw one without the other and she is right, so I'm sure
they both got to see heaven together," commented Tommy Luker, Flotilla Commander 11-02.
Bill Lauderman, PDCP Chattanooga Division also had some thoughtful words about
Keith and Carrie:
I have fond memories of Keith and Carrie going back 15 years or so. And
although our meetings were not all that frequent, both of these fine
Auxiliarists always managed to leave something pleasant behind when we
parted. It may have been just a word or two - it may have been good advice on a
matter of Auxiliary concern - it was often a hint or clever suggestion about
a boating issue . . . regardless, you never spoke to either of the Vaughns
without coming away a better Auxiliarist and person.
Even far away from Nashville, here in Chattanooga, Keith and Carrie will be
greatly missed, and "young" Auxiliarists will suffer for not having the
opportunity to benefit from their experience and wisdom. They will be on our
minds and in our prayers.
