Charles Wayne Vaughn, 91, of Rockport, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 2, 2025. He was born in Columbia, Kentucky, on August 4, 1934, to James Thomas “Tom” Vaughn and Mary Hamilton Vaughn. Charles lived a full and devoted life centered around faith, family, and hard work. He was married for 39 years to the late Joyce Marie Vaughn.
A true Rockport original, he was the oldest living proprietor in the city and proudly founded Vaughn Motor Sales in 1973. Known for his integrity and fairness, he built a reputation that turned customers into lifelong friends. “Honest to a fault,” as many would say, he approached business with sincerity and a handshake you could always trust.
At just 16, he began working at Rockport Peerless Pottery, where he remained dedicated until his retirement. His strong work ethic, mechanical know-how, and easy sense of humor earned him the respect of everyone who knew him.
A lifelong lover of cars, motorcycles, and engines of every kind, he could often be found under the hood of a car — not just for work, but for the joy of it. More than anything, though, he treasured his family. He often told his children they were “the best family anyone could ask for,” and he truly felt blessed to be part of it.
He is survived by his children Cara Lee Vaughn and her children, Zackary Blythe and Devyn Hagan (Dakota) and Cathy Kirkpatrick (Chris) and their children, Brittany Pickerill (Josh), Tyler Kirkpatrick (Tiffany), Laura Kirkpatrick and Leah Nelson (Chase); and his grandchildren, Mandy Stewart (Dustin), Kristin Devine, Danielle Devine and Dylan Devine; his great-grandchildren, Averey Stewart, Caitlyn Terry, Cayden Cochran and Kaylee Cochran, Rhett Gilchrist, Ty Pickerill, Bryn Pickerill, Myles Kirkpatrick, Ace Grady, Bradley Hagan, Vincent Hagan, Warren Hagan, baby Leon and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Marjorie Vaughn Lehr (Paul) – 2009, Wava Vaughn – 2010, James “Lynn” Vaughn – 2012, Deloris “Sue” Vaughn – 2017, Steven “Steve” Vaughn – 2021, and Janis “Jan” Vaughn Comer (Owen) – 2022, all of whom he loved dearly.
He had many friends and countless customers who proudly bought their first car from him. He also cherished his friendships at Wolfe’s Auto Auction, where he made countless memories and lifelong connections.
He leaves behind a legacy of honesty, humility and devotion — a true gentleman whose impact on his family and community will never be forgotten.
The loss to Rockport is immeasurable, but his memory will live on in every story, every engine turned, and every act of kindness done in his name.
Services will be held 12 p.m. Saturday, November 8, at Boultinghouse Funeral Home in Rockport. A private burial will be held.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Donations can be made to Rockport Cemetery Fund in the name of Charlie Vaughn.
Friends may leave condolences for the family at www.BoultinghouseFuneralHome.com.
