Steven Avery Vaughn

Steven Avery Vaughn, age 74, of Fremont, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at his childhood home. He was born on October 2, 1947 in Coldwater, Michigan to Robert L. “Arky” and Mary Rebecca (Avery) Vaughn. He was a Fremont High Graduate of 1966. He attended Ball State University, studying in Journalism, Radio and Television, graduating in 1970. After college, he moved to the Washington D.C. area, eventually working in the medical field in dialysis for Bio-Medical Applications. He moved to Key West, Florida in 1980 and later met Kathleen Benelli, they married, and had a daughter Emma. While in Key West, he earned an R.N. degree from Florida Keys Community College. Steve served as a nurse in Key West and led the community outreach and education program during the Aids public health crisis. He was later honored by the Monroe County Health Department for his efforts. Steve returned to Fremont in 1986 purchasing his childhood home. He worked for Cameron Hospital, and also did home healthcare. He later opened Emma’s Café in Fremont. He also worked in construction, and was a medical auditor prior to his retirement. He enjoyed playing golf, was a voracious reader, loved cheering for IU Hoosier Basketball, attending the Indianapolis 500, following the Fort Wayne Tin Caps, and spending time at the family cottage at Lake George. Steve served the Fremont community on the Town Council, zoning and tree boards, and the Fremont Volunteer Fire Department. He was a former longtime member of the Northeastern Lodge # 210 F & AM. Survivors include a daughter, Emma Vaughn of San Diego, California, his partner of 16 years, Debbie Williams of Fremont, Indiana, a sister, Suzanne L. (Steve) Kneeland of Bradenton, Florida, a brother, Tony (Catherine) Vaughn of Angola, Indiana, Debbie’s daughter, Amy L. Williams and grand-daughter Sophia Williams-Jeck both of Indianapolis, Indiana, a nephew, Harris Kneeland of Bradenton, Florida, and nieces, Melissa Vaughn of Chaska, Minnesota, Lindsay (Chad) Stoneburg of Glencoe, Minnesota, and Hannah Kneeland of Brooklyn, New York, and a great-niece and nephew, Audrey and William Stoneburg of Glencoe, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am Saturday, July 9, 2022 at the Fremont United Methodist Church. Rev. Tracey Zimmerman will officiate. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:30 am until 11 am Saturday at the church. Burial will be at Fremont Cemetery, Fremont, Indiana. Memorial donations in his memory may be directed to the Town of Fremont for the Memorial Tree Fund.