Ron Vaught

Ron was a man who was always willing to lend a hand to help others. He was funny, loving, and irreplaceable. Most of all he was the love of Kathy’s life. Ronald Dean Vaught, age 74, of Ashdown, Arkansas passed away Thursday, July 21, 2022 at home surrounded by his family. Ron was born January 29, 1948, in Mt. Pleasant, Texas to Leonard and Frances Dillard Vaught. He shared the same love of tinkering in his shop as his Dad. Ron was proceeded in death by his parents Leonard and Frances Dillard Vaught and his brother Leonard Ray Vaught. Ronald was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant Texas High School in Mt. Pleasant, Texas before enlisting in the US Army where he served as a helicopter mechanic in Vietnam. He would often share stories of his friendships he made during his time he proudly served. He held several honors including The Army Commendation Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Vietnam Campaign Medal, and he also was an Expert M-14 Medal Holder. Upon retiring from the Army, he owned his own wrecker service in Winfield, Texas and was a diesel mechanic. He worked for DARR Equipment for 20 years. He retired from Lone Star Steel. Ron is survived by his pride and joy, his wife of 23 years Kathy Jo Vaught of Ashdown, Arkansas; son, Chris Vaught (Kerri) of Jackson, Mississippi, Joseph Vaught of Archer City, Texas, James Smith (Leticia) of Ashdown, Arkansas, Clint Shirron of Ashdown, Arkansas, and one daughter Candis Vaught of McKinney, Texas. Grandchildren, Brittany Henderson (Reggie) of Foreman, Arkansas, Chelsea Smith of Texarkana, Arkansas, Jesse Smith of Ashdown, Arkansas, James A. Smith of Ashdown, Arkansas, Zachary Shirron of Ashdown, Arkansas, Caleb Almendarez of Pittsburg, Texas, Skyla Vaught of Jackson, Mississippi, Bradley Almendarez of Pittsburg, Texas, and Swayzie Vaught of Jackson, Mississippi. Great Grandchildren, Madisyn Henderson, Brycen Bush, Avery Henderson and Lainee Smith. Brothers, Richard Vaught (Carolyn) of Cookville, Texas, Frankie Vaught (Rene’) of Omaha, Texas, and Sister-in Law Janey Surber (Paul) of Ashdown, Arkansas. He leaves behind his prized pup Chloe who he loved very much and spoiled rotten. He also leaves behind several other nieces, nephews, family, and many friends who will miss him terribly. We think on many memories with Ron. He could fire up the grill and make the best hamburgers, brisket, and ribs. However, he was not very good at sausages and when we laughed at him he gave us the expression that only Ron could give and asked what we were laughing at, and of course then he laughed too. He loved working in his shop. There was not much that he couldn’t fix. He was a general “Mr. Fix It.” He would work on whatever it was and bring it back to life and he saw life in things that no one else really would see it in. He was good at that. He also had a green thumb. He loved gardening and growing vegetables. He also made the greatest muscadine and strawberry wine. Most of all, Ron loved being with his family. His legacy can be seen in his children. It can be seen in his grandchildren. He loved to laugh. He loved to have a good time. He loved to see everyone else have a good time. He would put others before himself. The family would like to thank Texarkana Hospice Care for their care of Ronald. A visitation will be held at Madden Funeral Home at 371 N 3rd Street, Ashdown, Arkansas 71822 on Saturday, July 23, 2022 from 5PM-7PM. A funeral will be held service will be held on Sunday, July 24, 2022 at 2PM also at Madden Funeral Home with Stuart Miller Officiating with burial to follow at Ashdown Memorial Gardens.

Ron Vaught

January 29, 1948 - July 21, 2022