Larry Allen Vaughn

Larry Allen Vaughn passed away on October 15, 2024 at the age of 77. Larry was born to Nathan and Ola Faye Vaughn on April 17, 1947 in Denver, CO. Larry grew up loving outdoor activities and playing baseball through high school. Larry graduated from high school in Denver, CO in 1965. He moved to Grand Junction, CO to attend Mesa College, where he met his lovely wife, Sharon Halvorson. They attended Mesa College, then transferred to Colorado State University the following year.

Larry and Sharon were married on September 1, 1968. Both worked together in management at Hertz Rent A Car in Grand Junction, and in Aspen. Larry continued in car rental management and sales into the 1970’s, culminating his career in the car business as a small franchise owner and a car dealer.

During this time, he and Sharon began raising a family and had three children, Kerri, Katie and Todd. The kids were involved in various sports and activities. Larry enjoyed coaching them in softball and baseball. He coached for 11 years and was involved with the board of directors of Fruita/Redlands Little League. Larry was active in a recreational softball league and was served as president of the Grand Junction Quarter Back Club in the 1990’s.

Larry and Sharon spent most of their time working and enjoying life together. Following working in the car business, Larry joined Sharon in real estate. They have been highly respected by the Grand Junction Area Realtors Association and community. Together, they were pioneers in the industry forming “The Vaughn Team,” the first real estate team in Grand Junction. The Vaughn Team was incredibly successful and received awards at the National, State and Local levels. These awards were from both inside and outside the Real Estate Company they loved so much Coldwell Banker. They both had a true passion for taking care of their clients that they turned into friends.

Horses were another passion of Larry’s. Horses were always present in the family and Larry and Sharon were involved with quarter horse racing. Larry was on the board of directors of the Western Slope Quarter Horse Association and helped with horse racing at Uranium Downs in Grand Junction.

Larry enjoyed nature, camping, fishing and traveling. He also loved music, particularly the “oldies.” Playing the guitar was a fun hobby. He was inspired to write a beautiful song following events of 9-11 called “What Does it Mean to be Free.” Larry embraced his Christian faith. We celebrate with him knowing that he is now free in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Being saved by the grace of God is what it means to be “Free.”

Larry’s loving wife, Sharon whose presence guided him for over fifty years, proceeded him in death on March 23, 2019. Larry is survived by 3 children, Kerri/Brian Bensley, Katie/Jimmy Kleager, and Todd Vaughn; 8 grandchildren, Kayla/Nick Evancich, Jaelyn/Taylor Ziolkowski; Gage, Jackson and Jedidiah Kleager; Ashton, Fischer and Marley Vaughn; 1 great grandchild, Brynleigh Evancich; sister Phyllis/Cliff Knapp.

A Celebration of Life will be Friday, October 25, 2024 at 10:00am at Victory Life Church in Fruita, CO. Memorial contributions can be given to Missions at Victory Life Church or Hope West.

Larry loved being with his family and friends. His personality was contagious. He could always make friends wherever he went. His smile, generosity, kindness and love were always part of his special character that will be deeply cherished. We especially will miss his witty sense of humor. He enjoyed being with lifelong friends who shared stories and laughed until they cried. Larry kept everyone smiling and laughing until the very end.