Vaughn William Heaton, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025, in Panguitch, Utah. He was born on May 11, 1930, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Merrill and Afton Heaton.
On July 3, 1953, Vaughn married his high school sweetheart, Lenore Russell in the St. George Temple and together they built a life filled with love, faith and family. They were blessed with three children: Jeri Lu (Frank) Houston, Lorilee (Don) Cannon, and Craig (Maggie Reeves) Heaton. Vaughn’s legacy continues through his 14 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy.
Surviving Vaughn is his children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren, His brother Dennis Heaton and sisters, Irene Jones & Sarah Fisher.
He was preceded in death by parents, Merrill W. Afton Jenkins Heaton; grandson, Austin Craig Heaton; great-granddaughter, Avery Houston; Brothers Richard Heaton & Darol Heaton; Sisters Marjorie Andersen & Carol Jean Eves.
Vaughn dedicated time as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the North Central States Mission from 1950-1952. He also held numerous leadership positions throughout his life. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from March 1954 to March 1956. His professional career began as an accountant for Kaibab Industries, but his entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchase and develop several retail outlets and be involved in other business adventures, including his ranch.
Vaughn will be remembered as a man of many talents and passions. He enjoyed being in the outdoors. He found peace in nature, whether fishing, hunting or camping with family and friends. He was especially known for his skill in Dutch oven cooking, pleasing family and friends with his meals. Vaughn had a gift for conversation and a genuine interest in others. He was kind, devoted to family and faith, and had an ability to connect with everyone he met. He spent many hours in his garden, rotor tilling, weeding and harvesting fresh produce to be enjoyed by neighbors and at the family dinner table. He could often be found leaning on his shovel while irrigating in the field, watching his animals graze. He enjoyed seeing wildlife as he was out and about. Vaughn had a great sense of humor and often entertained his grandkids with his famous one-liners. His life was a testament to service, hard work, and love.
The family is appreciative of the health professionals and caregivers for their patient and caring assistance during the last few years that allowed Vaughn to live at home to the end.
A service will be held at the Panguitch Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Saturday, December 20 at 12pm, preceded by a viewing from 11am. Interment will be at the Panguitch City Cemetery. Services under the direction of Cedar Valley Funeral & Cremation.