Robert Curtiss Vaughn's Obituary
Celebrating the Life of Robert Curtiss Vaughn, Jr.
Born: January 20, 1940 – Passed: January 16, 2021
Robert “Bobby” Curtiss Vaughn, Jr. was born on January 20, 1940 in Columbia, Missouri to Robert Curtiss Vaughn and Julia Mae Nevins Vaughn. He was the third of four children.
Robert graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in Columbia, MO. While at Douglass, Robert lettered in three sports: football, basketball, and track. He was also president of the student government. Bobby then went on to attend and play football for the University of Missouri for one year. He transferred to San Diego City College in 1959 where he was recruited by assistant coach Don Coryell (who had accepted a coaching position at San Diego State University) and transferred to San Diego State University where he received a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1963 and served as a lithographer and photographer in the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1967. While in the Marines, Robert was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Medal, the Good Conduct Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the M-14 Rifle Marksman Badge.
In 1967, Robert began his 33-year career as a Probation Officer with the San Diego County Department of Probation. He supervised the juvenile gang sections in Juvenile Hall and was the Director of Camp West Fork, a 240-bed inmate camp. While employed as a supervisor/director of probation, Robert also graduated from Law school and received his JD degree.
After being introduced to Joyce Marie Purnell by a mutual friend, Bob and Joyce married in July of 1969 at the Little Chapel of the Roses in Chula Vista, CA. They were married for almost 52 years and parented three children: Tracy Lynn Vaughn-Manley, Robert Curtiss Vaughn, III; and David James Vaughn.
Robert retired from the SD County Probation Department on his 60th birthday and went on to graduate from Bethel Seminary with a master’s degree in Marital Therapy in 2001. After a brief relocation from San Diego to Houston, TX, he and Joyce decided to settle in Murrieta, CA in 2009 where they worked together overseeing Immanuel Bible College and the marriage ministry at their church, Imani Temple COGIC in Temecula, CA. Regarding Bob’s faith, he was a private man who valued his close relationship with God.
Bob was a member of the historically African American Greek-lettered fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends over a good meal. He was often described by those who knew and loved him as handsome, pleasant, dependable, mischievous, and magnetic. His favorite songs were “At Last” by Etta James and anything by Bobby “Blue” Bland. In his later years, he also enjoyed gospel—especially gospel quartets--and R&B.
During his free time, Bob enjoyed working around the house, watching football and basketball, and spending time with his beloved wife, children, and grandchildren. He is survived by his devoted wife Joyce Marie Vaughn; his daughter Tracy Lynn Vaughn-Manley, PhD. (Jesse); his son Robert Curtiss Vaughn, III; his grandchildren Amber Mari Vaughn, Robert Allen Vaughn, Cole Parker Vaughn, and Dalen Renee Vaughn; daughter-in-law Veeta Vaughn, MD; his sisters Mardell Brown and Flora Vaughn; nieces June Robinson and Janice Jackson; dear friends and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Cornelius Vaughn, and his youngest son, David James Vaughn.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?
