Frank D. Vaughan

Frank D. Vaughan, 56, of Charleston, WV, passed away July 13, 2023. Born and raised in Beckley, WV, he pursued his BA at Emory & Henry College in VA, and his doctorate of political science at West Virginia University.  He was a beloved political science professor and Department Chair at West Virginia State University, and a served as the faculty representative on the WVSU Board of Governors.  Frank was an avid outdoorsman and spent many wonderful years with his river family, guiding many paddlers down the New and Gauley Rivers.  He was also an expert mountain biker, and competed in endurance races throughout Appalachia. He was a friend to everyone he met and loved talking about great camping spots as well as political issues of the day.  He will be remembered for always being ready for a road trip to a new park or river.

Frank was preceded in death by his father, James F. Vaughan, Jr. and mother, Nancy Kelley Vaughan of Beckley, WV.  He is survived by his sister Nancy Jane Vaughan Broadwell (Tommy) of Fuquay-Varina, NC, his brother Clark Vaughan of Salt Lake City, UT, his nephew Jason Knoernschild (Leslie), great nieces Claire and Olivia Knoernschild of Franklinton, NC, his niece, Carrie Knoernschild Warren (Justin) of Fuquay-Varina, NC, and his step-niece Katie Broadwell of Colorado Springs, CO, and step-nephew Jarratt Broadwell of Fuquay-Varina, NC, as well as many relatives in WV and ID.   The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to his close circle of dear friends that continually supported him.

There will be a graveside memorial service at Mount Tabor Cemetery at 247 Mount Tabor Road in Beckley, WV on Saturday, July 22^nd at 2:30 followed by a Celebration of Life from 4:00p-5:30pm.  UPDATE for Celebration of Life: A Celebration of Life will be held at Dunglen Picnic Shelter in Thurmond.

From US 19 north of Beckley take the Glen Jean exit. Take an immediate left, and go 0.5 miles to Glen Jean. Take a right turn and follow signs to Thurmond on WV 25. (You will take a left at the first stop sign in front of the historic Glen Jean bank building, then veer left at the next intersection). Continue on Rt 25 for 6 miles to Dunglen. Do not cross the bridge across the river into Thurmond. Stay on the Dunglen side of the river. Bear right. The Dunglen shelter will be on your left past the NPS Maintenance buildings.

In lieu of flowers, the family would kindly request donations be made to Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association at www.adoptcharleston.com   Arrangements are being made by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley, WV. www.calfeefuneralhome.com