Roger Vaughn, 83, passed away on March 14, 2017 at his home in Silver City, NM. Roger was born on October 21, 1933 in O'Donnell, TX to Lee and Mary Dell Vaughn.

Roger grew up in Pietown, NM. At age 17, Roger was already remarkably mature and wise. He sought and received permission from his parents to enlist in the Air Force where he served honorably and with distinction as an airframe and powerplant mechanic for 4 years, reaching the rank of staff sergeant.

After Roger's service to his country, he enrolled at Western New Mexico University. During this time he met his future wife, Helen Yamato. Roger earned Bachelor's degrees in mathematics, chemistry and business administration.

Upon graduation, Roger joined Kennecott at the Chino Mines Division. Starting as an Assay Chemist, he worked in various capacities of increasing responsibility and left the company as the Maintenance Superintendent of the mine in 1985. During his career, he was also instrumental in bringing the company into the computer age, working on early computing projects at the company headquarters in Salt Lake City. After leaving Kennecott, Roger had a productive career at Harrison Cooper Systems where he developed advanced sampling techniques for mining operations around the world.

Roger had many interests which included playing tennis, camping, hunting, and horseback riding. He consistently set examples for his children that showed a reverence and respect for the remote places where he chose to spend much of his time.

Roger and Helen were married in Bayard, NM in 1956. They were happily married for 60 years and were blessed with six children, 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Roger's cumulative accomplishments over the course of his life are indicative of his character in general. For most people, the more their lives are scrutinized the more flaws in character are revealed. This is not the case in Roger's life. He lived his life with integrity, even when no one was looking. His is a legacy that will most certainly continue to benefit everyone privileged to know him.

Roger is survived by his wife Helen of Silver City, NM, daughter Marylee and husband Mark Bell of Silver City, daughter Laura (Jeannie) and husband Jeff Barela of Santa Fe, NM, daughter Diana Vaughn of Silver City, son Les Yamato of Houston, TX, daughter Janice Vaughn of Silver City, son Roger Jr. and wife Stacey Vaughn of Peoria, AZ, and all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Roger is survived by his brother, Carroll and wife Illa Vaughn of Bloomfield, NM, and his sister, Gayle and husband John Humphrey of Arenas Valley, NM and many nieces and nephews.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Mary Dell, and his brother Wayne.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at Baca's Funeral Chapel, 3805 Delk Dr., Silver City, NM at 10:30 AM, March 25, 2017. The family will greet friends and relatives at a reception to follow the memorial service at the Masonic Lodge, 11 S. Ridge Road, Silver City, NM.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to the charity of your own choosing.