Phoenix, Arizona, resident David Lee Vaughan, 78, started his new life in heaven Thursday, March 15.

Dad was born January 1, 1929, in Seminole to Frank and Dona Vaughan.

He was a loving husband, father, soldier, pilot, successful contractor, member of the Oklahoma City Planning Commission, and a Shawnee rancher. He served his family, friends, community, and nation proudly with the quiet values that make a great man. Dad taught us courage in the face of adversity and that justice must be tempered by forgiveness. Most of all he taught us to do well; not just for the sake of reward, but for its own sake.

For those who did not know, dad dealt with several physical hardships and a couple of bouts with cancer. The last episode resulted in a stroke and several complications that finally overwhelmed him. All of the physicians who attended to dad in his last days told us that he should not have survived for this long. It was no surprise to those of us who knew him. We knew what a fighter he was.

Dad was preceded in death by his mother and father and all of his siblings.

Dad is survived by his wife, Clara, of 57 years; four sons, David, Terry, Clifford, and Barry; daughters-in-law, Jackie, Rhonda, and Tammy; grandchildren, Cameron, Lisa, Lauren, Trey, Josh and C. J.; grandchildren-in-law, Gina, Lee, and Scott; great-grandchildren, Trea, Sophia, and Gracie; nieces, nephews, and countless others who knew dad and remember him fondly.

Service was 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 20, at the First Southern Baptist Church of Scottsdale, 5230 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, Arizona, 85223.

Dad's final resting place was at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, where he was buried with honors at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, we are asking that donations be made in his name to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, Arizona, 85014.

We want to thank the staff of the Sherman House Hospice and the Mayo Clinic for the excellent care and personal attention they provided for dad in his last days.

Arrangements under the direction of Hansen Mortuary, 8314 N. 7th St., Phoenix, Arizona 85020.