Noel James Vaughan, Sr. left this world to meet his Eternal Heavenly Father on May 16th, 2026. Noel was born to Everett Paul and Inez Ladora Vaughan on June 26, 1932. He married Reta Imogene Simpson on June 10, 1951, at New Hope Baptist Church Together they worked hard and raised their family for 74 years on the Vaughan family farm while attending Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church.
Noel is survived by their 10 children, Noel J. (Diana), Rodney (Dawna), Becky Marsh, Stanley (Diane), Scott (Angela), Tanya (Mark) Wells, Gaylord (Angie), Brian (Amy), David (Angie), Michelle (Brian) Taylor. Also, 38 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and several great-great grandchildren. Also, his brother, Richard (Pat) Vaughan, sisters Pauline Peverly of AZ and Carol Ann Vaughan of CA, sister-in-law, Esther Meeks and several nieces and nephews also survive.
Noel grew up farming in the Pond Creek area while supporting 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) and continued throughout his life becoming FFA State Officer and the first from Fairfield to receive his American Farmer Degree. His community involvements included serving on the New Hope and Fairfield Community High School Boards, Wayne County Board, Barnhill Township Supervisor and Board member, and Cemetery Board. He worked at Airtex as a foreman for 11 years, drove semi to Chicago for a few years, and also served the community on the Wayne County Farm Bureau Board and worked as a Country Company Insurance Agent for 51 years while being an active Rotary Club Member. During his career with Country Companies, he was named an All American twice, an All Star six times, and a Super All American.
Noel’s wife, Reta and three grandchildren greeted him in Heaven, Ryan James Vaughan, Logan Matthew Kreiter, and Scott Michael McDannel.
The family would like to give a very a special thanks to the Fairfield Memorial Skilled Care Unit employees for their exceptional care for the past year.
Funeral arrangements are for 1 PM Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Fairfield, Illinois with visitation from 11-1 at the church. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Skilled Care Unit of Fairfield Memorial Hospital or Pleasant Grove Church. Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield is handling arrangements.
