Vaughan Thompson Obituary (1960

Vaughn R. Thompson, 58, departed this life on September 18, 2018 at University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Vaughn was born on June 5, 1960 in Easton, MD. The son of Mary G. and Nathan Thompson, Sr. Vaughn began working at the young age of 14 and was employed at a local restaurant chain while attending junior high and high school. He graduated from Cambridge-South Dorchester High School (C-SDHS) in 1978 where he majored in general academics and music. Vaughn always had a passion for music and electronics. His love for music lead him to be a legendary drum major at C-SDHS where he amazed and entertained fans during football half-time shows. Vaughn was also the lead vocalist and percussionist of the high school’s Jazz Band throughout high school—captivating the hearts of many. Shortly after graduating, Vaughn attended Ohio Institute of Technology where he was enrolled in the Electronics Engineering Program. After completing tech school, Vaughn traveled to Hawaii, using money he had saved while working throughout high school, to be close to his older brother Nathan, Jr. Following in the footsteps of his older brother, Nathan, Jr., whom he looked up to, Vaughn enlisted in the U.S. Airforce in 1979, where he fulfilled his sacred oath in serving his country. During his military career, he was the recipient of an Air Force Commendation Medal; an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award; a Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation; an Airforce Good Conduct Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster; a National Defense Service Medal; an Air Force Overseas ribbon (long tour); and an Air Force Longevity Award with Oak Leaf Cluster. After 11 years of admirable military service, Vaughn received an honorable discharge, having been recognized for exceeding standards of performance and personal conduct. He continued his career as an electronic technician while in Germany living as a civilian. Vaughn learned to read, write, and speak fluent German and worked as a Senior Electronics Technician and Radio and Television Repair Technician. Vaughn returned to the States 10 years later, where he held the positions of Technical Consultant (Tandy Corporation); Field Service Technician (Patterson Dental Supply, Inc.); Electronics Technician (Sensata Technologies); and Material Handler (Global Strategies Group/Defense Engineering). While working full-time, Vaughn repaired televisions and computers for neighbors throughout the community, charging very little or nothing at all, as it was not his intention to profit from the misfortunes of others. He also enjoyed volunteering at the Lutheran Mission Society where he provided facility and electronic maintenance. Vaughn begin working at Technologies Engineering, Inc. (TEI) in November 2016 where he held the position of Quality Assurance Associate—responsible for software testing, debugging and transcribing software techniques. He was hardworking, dedicated, goal oriented, and highly motivated and was a well-respected and valued employee at TEI, where he worked until his health prevented him from doing so—the day before he was hospitalized. Vaughn received his religious rearing at Christ United Methodist Church in Aireys, MD and faithfully attended St. Luke United Methodist Church, until his health begin to fail. He believed that one of greatest resources we have as Christians is family. Vaughn treasured family—thinking seldom of himself even as he fell ill. He was a kind yet stern man who was an inspiration to all who knew him. Vaughn was preceded in death by a three month old baby brother, Bruce Michael Thompson; his brother Nathan Thompson, Jr.; beloved paternal grandparents Frances (Agnes) Thompson and maternal grandparents Rev. Isaac W. (Mable) Wallace; six aunts, Lillian Thompson, Agnes Thompson, Bernice Bridell, Juanita Gibson, Esther Martin and Edith Wallace; and seven uncles, Novel Thompson, Sr., Wallace Thompson, Osborn Thompson, John Wallace, James Wallace, Rayfield Wallace and Garfield Newman. Vaughn leaves to cherish loving memories: two daughters, Christina Thompson (Karen) and Heather Thompson of Maplewood, MN; four sons, Ryan Thompson, Joshua Thompson, Ruben Thompson of Cambridge, MD and Noah Thompson of Easton, MD; his parents, Mary G. and Nathan Thompson, Sr. of Cambridge, MD; two sisters, Naomi Wallace of Easton, MD and Tina Thompson of Cambridge, MD; two brothers, Russell Hawkins (Shelly) of Egg Harbor Township, NJ; and Brent Thompson, Sr. of Salisbury, MD; grandchildren, Quinn Thompson and Morgan Thompson; a very close and special friend Sandra Lee Thompson; two uncles and two aunts; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.