Jan. 2, 1923 - Oct. 27, 2014
Vaughn L. Smith passed away peacefully on October 27, 2014. He was born Vaughn Leroy Smith on January 2, 1923 in Alden, Iowa to George and Gertrude Smith (Kruse). He graduated from high school in Alden, Iowa. He was a graduate of the University of Iowa, where he received his degree in Sociology. He then moved to Chicago where he briefly attended Business College. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He moved out west to Carson City in 1955 and opened up Von’s Tire Shop. After a short time, he became a slot machine mechanic working at different casinos in Carson City, Reno and at Lake Tahoe. In the early 1960’s, he started working for the Nevada State Tax Commission, where he worked for about 10 years. He ran for County Clerk during the 1960’s which he was defeated, but that did not discourage him. Four years later, he ran again and won the seat and became the County Clerk and Treasurer for four years. He enjoyed the job so much he ran for a second term and once again won the seat. After his retirement from the State of Nevada and Carson City, he remained committed to civic affairs and, whenever he could, he would always make sure he would attend Board of Supervisor Meetings. He also served as an active lobbyist at the Nevada Legislature concerning Veterans. He was instrumental in the achievement of Veteran’s cemeteries in both Northern and Southern Nevada. He was active in Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Vaughn was preceded in death by a son Bruce, who passed away in March 1977 and a grandson, Justin, who passed away in September 1997. He is survived by his wife Phyllis of 34 years; his children Bonnie Allen (William) of Las Vegas, Robin Smith and Robert Smith (Lee) of Las Vegas, his step-sons Steve Koch (Wendy) of Carson City, Mark Koch of Carson City, Hank Logan (Diane) of Denver, Colorado and adopted daughter Tobie Drenth (Jeff) of Winnemucca, Nevada. He also has four grandchildren, Jennifer, Joshua and Jordan Aja, and Lauren Brizeno all of Las Vegas, as well as 12 great grandchildren, all of Las Vegas. Vaughn is also survived by his sister Marge Franklin (Rex) of Elkhart, Indiana. Funeral services will be held at Walton’s Funeral Home at 1281 North Roop Street, Carson City on Saturday, November 8th, at 2:00pm.
