Antonio Japitana Vaughn

Antonio Japitana Vaughn, 57, of Powell, left this life to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 20, at his home, surrounded by the love of his family.

Tony, as he was known to many, was born June 5, 1955, in Silay City, Philippines, to the late William Patton and Mercedes Japitana Vaughn.

He moved to the United States at the age of 23, settling in the Anderson and Knox county area in 1994.

He was a member of Oak Ridge Alliance Church, a strong man of faith who loved to read and study the Bible. He owned and operated T.J. and Sons Service Center in Oak Ridge and then in Powell.

A dedicated family man and avid fisherman, Tony enjoyed spending time with relatives, particularly his grandchildren, woodworking, martial arts and boxing, and was known for his sense of humor.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Robert Vaughn.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Edenia Montante Vaughn of Powell; daughter Antonette Whitson and her husband Danny of Oak Ridge; sons William A. Vaughn of Powell, and Christopher R. Vaughn of the U.S. Navy and  his fiancée Lillian Del Beccaro; grandchildren Brennan and Alyssa Whitson; brothers William Vaughn and wife Wanda of Knoxville, and Patrick Vaughn and wife Leila of Powell; sisters Carmen Church and husband Greg Russo of Long Beach, Calif., Mary Buison of Oak Ridge, Ida Johnson of Bradenton, Fla., Virginia Mora and husband Bernardo of Oak Ridge, and Irene Ablang and husband Ernesto of La Habra, Calif.; and special friends Bill Hayes of Powell and Joe Bryan of Claxton, along with a multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews who will miss him dearly.

Funeral services will be held Saturday June 23, at 8 p.m. in the chapel of Martin Oak Ridge Funeral  Home with Rev. Dale Crank officiating. Interment will be Sunday June 24, at 2 p.m. at Oak Ridge Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Martin Oak Ridge Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.