Arthur L. “Beezer” Vaughan, 99, of Keokuk, passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at Mississippi Valley Healthcare Facility in Keokuk.
Arthur was born on August 22, 1924, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of James Henry and Grace Martha (Washburn) Vaughan. He married Gladys L. Hopkins on February 16, 1946, in Kahoka, Missouri. He attended the Wells-Carey Elementary and Keokuk High School. At the age of seventeen, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served four years in the Asiatic, Pacific, Philippine, Lib and European Theaters. He received his Honorable Discharge in 1946. After returning to the States, Arthur worked at several local businesses, including Purity Oats, Thomas Truck, and Atlas Energy Company, where he retired as a meter repairman after twenty years. Arthur was a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Keokuk since 1958. He was an active member, serving on the Administrative Board and also sang in the choir for many years. He was the church’s number one salesperson for Emmanuel’s annual Election Day Chili Soup Fundraiser for years. “Beezer” was a DIE-HARD Chicago Cubs Fan, watching every game and attending some in-person at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. He was thrilled to see the Cubs win the World Series in 2016.
Arthur is survived by his son Arthur L. Vaughan, Jr., his stepson James E. (Judy) Hopkins, his stepdaughter Barbara Weber, all of Keokuk; twelve grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren and twenty-eight great-great-grandchildren.
Arthur is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Gladys, infant daughter Diana, stepdaughter Patricia West, stepson Max Hopkins, infant brother Thomas, brother Jack Vaughan, son-in-law Jack West and son-in-law James Weber.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 am on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home in Keokuk, with burial to follow at Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk, Iowa. Military honors at the cemetery will be rendered by the United States Navy and the American Legion Post #41. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:00 to 11:30 am on Wednesday directly before the service.
Memorials may be directed to Everystep Hospice and American Legion Post #41.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.dejongsfuneralhome.com.
DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.
