Friend of Cassville Schools Leaves Quiet Gift
Cassville R-IV Receives $25,000 legacy gift from long-time supporter, Ray Vaughn
Cassville R-IV has received a $25,000 legacy gift from long-time wildcat supporter William “Ray” Vaughan.
“We are deeply grateful to the late Ray Vaughn for his gift to the Cassville School District,” said Dr. Richard Asbill, Cassville Schools Superintendent. “Ray cared about the success of our students. We could always count on him to stop by the office with a pineapple upside down cake and spend some time talking about how we were working to help our students become more successful and wanted to know how he could help too. Sometimes, we may end up spending 20 to 30 minutes just talking about things, but when you talked to Ray, you knew he genuinely cared.”
The Cassville School Board of Education is currently evaluating investment options as to how the gift would be best utilized to benefit the most number of students and to ensure the gift is a lasting legacy that will best memorialize Ray Vaughn.
Originally from Seminole, Oklahoma, Vaughn moved to Cassville in 1984 and passed away in December of last year.
Vaughn enjoyed a full, yet quiet life. Shortly after marrying his wife, Cuma, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps where he earned several medals and awards, including the Good Conduct Medal, Sharp Shooter Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Service Medal and seven bronze stars.
After returning from war, Vaughn spent 31 years working for Exxon and served as a volunteer assistant coach for the boys’ basketball team and refereed junior high, senior high and junior college basketball games. After moving to Cassville, he continued to volunteer his time to coaching at Cassville High School.
“Ray enjoyed athletic events,” said Dr. Asbill. “You were sure to see Ray at home volleyball, basketball and football games. At some point during the event, he would make his way to the press box or score table for conversation about the game.”
“While he did enjoy sporting events, he was a friend to Cassville Schools and a friend to all of our students. Ray always wanted to know that we were looking out for our students,” stated Dr. Asbill.