Patrick "Pat" Wright Vaughn

Patrick "Pat" Wright Vaughn, a cherished father, brother, and friend, peacefully passed away on June 20, 2025, in Abilene, TX at the age of 78 with his daughter Katie - the joy of his life - at his side. Born on April 25, 1947, in Palestine, Texas, Pat was the son of Joe Edward and Catherine (Wright) Vaughn. He led a life marked by service, dedication, and a passion for automobiles.

Pat grew up in Palestine and Cayuga, Texas, where he graduated from high school in 1966. When he graduated from high school, the Vietnam War was raging, and he knew that he would be drafted, even though he was attending Henderson County Junior College, so he enlisted. First sent to Fort Polk, Louisiana, he soon was sent to Fort Riley, Kansas where he went through basic training and the Military Police School. He was assigned to guard railway trains that transported bombs across the country before they were sent off to Vietnam. After two years he was Honorably discharged. He then enrolled in the Police Academy in Dallas, after which he served in the Mesquite, Texas Police Force. Pat then enrolled in Stephen F. Austin University, majoring in criminology.

Pat married Lois Ginger Poindexter on December 16, 1978, at First Baptist Church in Grand Prairie, TX. He was devoted to his family particularly to his wife, Ginger, his wife of 35 years and his daughter Katie.

His professional life was rich and varied; he later began a long career in the natural gas industry, working first for Brown & Root, then for Enserch Corporation, the successor to Lone Star Gas Company. Pat worked for Enserch Corporation until it sold out, then stayed with the successor companies. He was named manager of the entire area for Enserch. Pat never tackled a job that he did not execute fully and conscientiously.

In addition to his dedication to service, Patrick was an entrepreneur and automotive enthusiast. He took over Caraway Auto in Ranger, Texas, where he enjoyed buying and selling cars, often owner financing them for those in his community. He then returned to work as a contract supervisor, overseeing various jobsites in and around Eastland.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Patrick was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Eastland, where he found fellowship and support. Pat's great love, other than his family, was restoring - in his words "old cars," but many of them were far from merely "old cars." They were genuine classics. His favorite cars were Corvettes, and he owned several over the years. Pat also had a passion for car shows and swap meets.

Patrick is survived by his beloved daughter, Katie Vaughn, one brother, Michael Vaughn of Flint, Texas and his wife, Martita, along with numerous nieces and nephews who will forever cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Edward and Catherine (Wright) Vaughn his wife Lois Ginger (Poindexter) Vaughn, and his sister, Vonda Daly.

Reflecting on a life filled with adventure and service, family and friends are invited to celebrate Patrick's legacy. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland. A graveside service will follow on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Eastland City Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Tim Plant and Rev. Kevin Burrow.

Patrick's spirit will be carried on by the many who knew and loved him. Pallbearers for the service will include Austin Plant, Timothy Patrick, Greg Pollock, Tom Crowder, E.T. Bradley, and Fred Edeskuty, with honorary pallbearers Curtis McDaniel, Casey Poindexter, Norman Owen, Van Stacy, Randy Ewers and Tim McCurdy joining to honor his remarkable life.