Leroy Vaughn

VAUGHN, LEROY IRVING -Leroy Irving Vaughn was born on December 25, 1922, and he passed into eternal life Friday, December 18, 2020 after a long illness. Mr. Vaughn moved to Roswell, New Mexico with his wife, Carmen Vaughn, during the 70's and enjoyed a happy retirement while pursuing real estate ventures in Roswell. He was blessed with good health for all of his long life, only falling sick before transitioning. He will be 98 years of age on Christmas Day.

Leroy Vaughn will best be remembered as "The Architect" of the Englewood School Desegregation litigation, where he and wife, Carmen L. Vaughn sued the Englewood Board of Education. "Vaughn vs The Englewood Board of Education" challenged the school system's failure to desegregate in accordance with the landmark Supreme Court Ruling "Brown vs The Board of Education". Numerous supporters formed a movement in support of the Englewood Boycott which ensued. A close alliance with community members developed and a diverse group of highly intellectual persons set about reforming the segregated schools with a huge busing effort, that initially gained some resistance, but occurred, none the less.

Born in Jettersburg, VA, Leroy Vaughn migrated to New York City during "The Great Northern Migration". A Veteran of the U.S. Army, who served during WW2, Vaughn returned to New York City after the War and attended Columbia University, where he studied Architecture and Engineering. His career encompassed the position of Plant Engineer for W.R. Grace and Dynamite Nobel, the latter being the issuers of the annual Nobel Peace Prize.

Mr. Vaughn was preceded in death by his wife, Carmen L. Vaughn, daughter Sharon A. Vaughn, Esq., and six brothers and sisters: Gladys Truesdale, Richard Barnes, Lucille Ward, Elvira Vaughn, Rebecca Anderson and Evelyn Green. He is survived by his daughter, Laurie Vaughn, (Ft. Lauderdale, FL), grandson Jordan Vaughn, great grandson Kaiden Vaughn, son-in-law Tony Richardson (Sharon), and a very devoted friend and caretaker, Maryetta C. Franklin (Roswell, New Mexico) and numerous friends, nieces and nephews.

The family of Leroy Vaughn would like to offer special thanks to friends and family that were in constant support of Mr. Vaughn during his final days. These include Fern "Cookie" Cauthen, Melanie Scudder, Julie Seiler, Dr. Dake, Dr. Wenner, Katherine Barnes, Dominique Ward, Encompass Group, Comfort Keepers, Casa Maria Healthcare Center, all his devoted friends in Mobile, Alabama, who were like a family to him, in addition to his friends in Roswell, New Mexico.

A viewing for Mr. Vaughn, will be held from 9:00 to 10:30 AM, at LaGrone Funeral Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, December 28, 2020 at South Park Cemetery with Rev. Father Dale officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Veterans of Roswell, New Mexico.

Obituary Written by his daughter, Laurie Vaughn, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.