Thomas “Tommy” Richard Vaught
1948 – 2023
Tommy Vaught (Thomas Richard Vaught) was born, to be ‘born-again’!
He was born on 7-7-1948 (the year Israel became a nation). He weighed 7 lbs- 7 oz.
He died on 7-17-2023. Peacefully in his sleep very unexpectedly.
Tommy was the second son born to Benny and Oleta Vaught after his brother Benny Vaught. He was a baseball pitcher in grade school and loved it when his son continued the tradition on into high school.
Tommy’s father owned a filling station at Casady Square in the Village. He died when Tommy was only 10 years old. His mother had to work a lot to make ends meet. So Tommy was very much a ‘self-made’ man. Learning to fix just about anything out of necessity.
That’s the way God works sometimes.. Turning ‘all things together for good’ for his children. (Romans 8:28) Tommy attended John Marshall High school and OSU graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering. By the grace of God, he was not called to serve in Vietnam and moved to California to be with his brother working at Venolia Pistons.
Tommy moved back to okc and was invited to a church named Christian Center. There he met both Jesus, his Lord and Savior and his future wife Kathy (Kathryn). They were married in Kathy’s back yard amidst a choir of loud chirping birds. They had planned to go to Wyoming for their honeymoon, but God had other plans.. They won the WKY grand prize honeymoon trip to Acapulco! What a send off!…
Thomas Hunter, their son was the apple of his eye. So many fond memories of them playing frisbee golf and catch. Tommy was at every game his son was in, which was a lot in almost every sport! He was a proud and loving father.
Tommy worked as a framer, trim carpenter, furniture maker and Auto mechanic. He literally could make anything. He searched for rare collectible motorcycles and parts and if he couldn’t find parts for them, he just made them! He would cast all kinds of metals, weld just about anything, make engines from scrap parts… He was simply amazing..
Tommy’s greatest love was the Lord.. He loved and wanted to please God so much. Everything he did was with that in mind. He believed so strongly in the free gift of salvation that cannot be earned.. but wanted to simply please the Lord in thankfulness. His favorite passage, “But didn’t Abraham earn his right to heaven by all the good things he did? No, for being saved is a GIFT. if a person could earn it by being good, then it wouldn’t be free, but it is! It is GIVEN to those who do NOT work for it. For God declares sinners to be good in His sight if they have faith in Christ to save them from God’s wrath.” (Romans 4). I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness came through the law (being good ) then Christ died in vain. (Galatians 2:21)
Tommy adored Kathy (Kathryn) and loved nothing more than to be by her side whatever was going on. They enjoyed going most evenings and weekends to their nearby ‘Lake house” tooling around with friends on the pontoon boat. It was such a blessing from the Lord, as they had been looking at owning a place on the lake for over 20 years.
As of late, Tommy and Kathy have so enjoyed their grandson, Vander, who ‘lights up!’ at the sight of Tommy. He has been such a delight. He was so looking forward to watching him grow up and attending ball games.
Tommy was however, deeply saddened by the turn America has taken as of late and saddened. He and Kathryn were in the middle of reading a book together, “ Imagine Heaven” Which is I am sure, not a coincidence. He is definitely in a better place now, although we will miss him deeply.
Tommy is survived by his loving wife, Kathryn, his son Tom (Thomas) Hunter Vaught, his wife Lauren Castleberry Vaught, their son Vander Vaught; also Tommy’s nephew Ben C. Vaught, Benny Joe Vaught and niece Shanali Morgan.
Memorial Service to be held Friday, July 21st 3:00 at Town Square Club House, 3550 Bungalow Cove, Edmond, OK 73034. Should anyone wish to make a donation in Tommy’s honor, please consider Hope International 227 Granite Run Dr. Lancaster, PA 17601
I remember Tommy very well….from growing up in the Village, Andrew Johnson Grade School, John Marshall, etc. lost touch a long time ago. He was a good guy. Will miss him!
What a beautiful and inspiring memorial. I remember Tommy from Andrew Johnson and John Marshall. What an amazing man he became.
Out of the clear blue I thought of Tom today. I hadn’t seen him for a long time. I Googled his name as I usually do when I think of people that have been a part of my life. That’s how I found that he had passed. Tom Vaught was one of the sweetest, gentalist souls you could ever meet in your life. I loved Tom and Tom truly love our Lord and Savior. I know he will be missed by everyone that knew him. I hope to see him again. Rest in Peace Tom , Sincerely, Maurice Rizzo Jr. Okc ok.