Theodore M. Vaughn

Theodore M. Vaughn, died February 2, 2012 at his home on the Prescott Yavapai Reservation. He was born August 21, 1928 in Los Angeles, California the son of Albert and Amy (Jimulla) Vaughn. He came to the Yavapai Prescott Reservation as an infant; and was raised by his grandparents, Sam and Viola Jimulla. Ted was 83 years old.

Ted was educated at the Washington Traditional School and Prescott High School. He proudly served two enlistments in the United States Navy. Ted returned to Arizona and moved to Peach Springs where he married Geraldine McGee. He drove the school bus and worked as a cowboy. He then became an pilot for the BIA flying out of Keems Canyon and Window Rock over the disputed land area of the Hopi and the Navajo tribes, Ted learned his jewelry craftsmanship from Hopi friends. He then flew for the White Mountain Apache Tribe flying commuter planes out of Taylor and White River. Ted returned to Prescott in 1981, and helped to construct the houses on the reservation. His sister, Patricia McGee, President of the tribe asked him to help her preserve the Yavapai language and culture; together they taught the younger members of the tribe. For over 20 years he worked on his Yavapai language word list.

He received many awards among them are Outstanding American Indian of Arizona, the Spirit of the Heard Award, He was proudest of his work of preserving the culture of the Yavapai Tribe.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years Genevieve, sons; Charles (Artie), Ted Jr, and Thaddeus; daughters ; Margaret, Louise and Amy (Joe) and sister, Darlene Ogo,; many grandchildren and nieces and nephews, He was preceded in death by sons: Tommy and Sammy, brother Travis Gazzam and sister, Pat McGee.