Rick Vaught age 77, was born to Julie Anna and Robert Vaught on November 28, 1946. He was united in marriage to Mary Mae Sowden on July 31, 1966. Rick was a wonderful father to Regina Lynn Vaught-Rudich (Aaron and Gina) and Robert Lee Vaught (Bobby and Sharon).

Rick was born in Fairfield, IA and lived in Libertyville, graduating from Blakesburg High School in 1965. He served in the Army from 1967 to 1970. After the service he spent 4 years in apprenticeship school working on his trade.

After the service he went to work as a sheet metal apprentice for Waldinger Corp., were he retired from 40 years later as a Senior Project Manager.

Rick loved nature and farming; it was in his blood. Mowing growing was his favorite quite time and stress relief. His garden was a labor of love. He enjoyed having multiple projects going at once. Making things happen was his goal in life, if there was a will, he had a way.

Rick was a diabetic with heart problems. In 2017 he was diagnosed with Parkinson's, having his first faulty heart valve replaced in 2021. He was informed that his second heart valve would need replaced by 2024. June 27, he underwent surgery for the second heart valve. In recovery, he felt great, only to find that the valve was too small and there was a bad leak even after the two plugs they tried. Trying to control his condition with medication did not work and the water pills damaging his kidneys of which lead to his liver failure. Finally, the battle had overcome his body and he passed away peacefully, Monday, September 2, surrounded by his brothers and sisters, that loved and respected him.

Rick is survived by his wife, Mary Vaught; daughter, Regina Lynn (Aaron) Vaught-Rudich; daughter-in-law, Sharon Linn; grandchildren, Anthony (Hope Marie) Rudich, Austin Rudich, Robbie (Reba Lonsdale) Vaught, Ami (Jeremy) Brownfield; great- grandchildren, Tristian Lane, Brekken Brownfield and Lealen Brownfield; siblings, Bob (Olga) Sowden, Ron (Vickie) Sowden, Jay Sowden and Paul (Melissa) Sowden, Patty Sowden-Aalbers, Melody Sowden-Weidman; and many nieces, nephews and other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his son, Bobby Vaught; parents, Robert and Juliana Vaught, William and Nadine Sowden; siblings, Randall Vaught, Betty (Larry) Nine, Marcia Trejio.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola. Inurnment will take place in the Fell Cemetery, Libertyville, Iowa at a later date. Visitation will be held prior to service from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials in memory of Rick can be made to Warren County Conservation Board. To sign an online condolence, visit our website at www.overtonfunerals.com.