Obituary of Samuel Harmon Vaught

SAMUEL H. VAUGHT Services will be held in Aptos on April 9, 2011 at 2:00 pm, for Samuel Vaught who passed away in Watsonville, California, following a lengthy illness. Born in San Antonio, Texas, he was 79 years old. Mr. Vaught was raised in Texas, and served his country in the US Air Force during the Korean War. He attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey at the Navy Post Graduate School, studying Russian. His skills allowed him to break Russian codes while stationed in North Japan. Following his military career, Mr. Vaught attended U.S.C. and later graduated from Santa Clara University Law School. He worked his way through law school while working for the railroad, and taking care of his baby daughter; at times studying with her on his lap on a meager three hours sleep per day. Mr. Vaught moved to Santa Cruz in 1975 and began his private law practice with Dennis Caspe. His career in law spanned over 28 years and his family and colleagues will forever remember his love for a good argument, and his stubbornness which kept his friends and family engaged, as well as entertained. He was an active parishioner of Christ Lutheran Church in Aptos, and also enjoyed camping ,fishing, and was an accomplished cook. He is survived by his daughter, Judy A. Barclay of Folsom, California, his four loving grandchildren: Sean, Lance, Lexi, Audrey; and his niece, Joann Frankena and also his nephew Tom Koelln. Mr. Vaught also leaves many dear friends and colleagues in Santa Cruz County including: Colleen Ward, Marshall Bautz, Bob Yonts, and Dennis Caspe. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial ceremony at Christ Lutheran Church 10707 Soquel Drive in Aptos on April 9, 2011 at 2:00 pm. Interment will be private at the church columbarium. The family asks that any kind acts of charity be made to the Christ Lutheran Church. There also will be a potluck lunch following the service. Please bring your favorite dish.God Bless.