Charles " Chuck " Vaughn

Charles “Chuck” Vaughn, age 70, died on Sunday, November 28, 2021. He was surrounded by family and friends after a courageous battle with cancer.

Chuck was born on August 17, 1951, in Lafayette, Indiana. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1969. If you knew Chuck at all, you were a friend. He was easily the most popular person in high school, circa 1968, as he was the lead singer for "The Dalesman” - the #1 dance band for students. Each show began with Chuck singing The Four Tops, "I Can't Help Myself", and he took off from there. Being with friends, and later with his family, was Chuck's true love in life.

In August 1994, Chuck graduated from Metropolitan State College of Denver with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services, a Minor in Non-Profit Administration and a certificate in Community Service Development. He began a career in Human Services with the Volunteers of America and worked with several nonprofit organizations in the Denver Metro Area. On August 1, 1998, he joined the Denver Adult Probation Department where he served in a variety of assignments including the Drug Court and Mental Health units. He found his calling as a probation officer and built a close network of colleagues and friends.

Chuck's career was shaped by his desire to help those less fortunate. He was the epitome of both a public servant and a leader. He had a calm, patient demeanor and was always attendant to the well-being of others. Chuck had an uncanny ability to relate to and positively engage with everyone he met. He touched many lives personally and professionally, and one of his greatest pleasures was watching the people he helped succeed.

An avid sports fan, and no stranger to the spotlight, Chuck was the pitcher for the "Borderline All-Stars", a coed softball team. He pitched for 26 years and was admired by teammates and often by the opposition. On Sundays, he could be found watching football and rooting for his Chicago Bears. Chuck both played and coached basketball.  He was on numerous bowling teams, he golfed, and rode his bicycle in The Denver Post Ride the Rockies. As his son, Connor, grew, Chuck coached and attended his son’s games, and was well known for his consistent (and usually very vocal) encouragement and support.

Chuck loved his family deeply. He created an incredible community of friends and colleagues and surrounded himself with people who reflected his outlook on life – have fun and enjoy yourself, help anyone and everyone you can, and be kind to all you meet. A glass of scotch and his barbequed ribs were all that were needed for a memorable evening. Chuck was an avid storyteller often telling tales of his adventures late into the night. His fun-loving approach to life and great sense of humor created a warm and endearing connection to all who knew him. He embraced life and will be tremendously missed.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Ann, his son, Connor, his mother, Florence Hubbard, brothers, Howard and Harold Vaughn, and sister, Alice Scott. He had a large extended family across the country.

A celebration of Chuck’s life will be scheduled in early 2022. Memorial contributions are welcome at the Black Cultural Center at Purdue University: https://www.purdue.edu/bcc/donate.php