Vaughn Howard

Robert Vaughn Howard of Cookeville, TN passed away Tuesday morning December 20, 2016 at CRMC. He was 81. He was born October 30, 1935 on the family farm in Putnam County. He graduated from Cookeville Central High School in 1954. He married Dean Mackie Howard and together had two children, Robert Brian Howard and Sherrie Lynn Howard Cannon. Vaughn received a basketball scholarship from Tennessee Tech University and graduated with a BS Degree in Industrial Arts in 1959. He was a member of the TTU Athletic Foundation for over twelve years. Service being an important aspect of his life, he participated in numerous community groups and projects including: YMCA, United Way, Junior Pro football and basketball, Putnam County Vocational Education Council, Putnam County Fair Board of Directors, Lions Club, Cookeville Chamber of Commerce, and Cookeville Jaycees. He was also involved in the development of Upper Cumberland Volleyball Association. As part of his commitment to community service, Vaughn was active in local government. He served on the Putnam County Commission for 16 years with three years as Chairman. He served as Cookeville City Mayor from 1982-85, Vice Mayor from 1985-88 and a third term as City Councilman. During his college years, he worked part-time for Joe Adams at Adams Plastic, Inc. and became his plant manager. After graduating, he served nine weeks active duty in the Air National Guard and continued in the reserves for 6 years. He worked for E.I. DuPont in Martinsville, VA before returning to Cookeville and Adams, Inc. He served as plant manager, Vice President, and a partner/owner for 52 years at Adams. Vaughn is survived by his wife of 25 years, Jo Ann Howard; four children and their spouses: Brian and April Howard, Andy and Sherrie Cannon, Bruce and Jenny Helton, and Rick and Holly Jarvis; 5 grandchildren: Tori Cannon, Allison and Abby Helton, Olivia and Brett Tuberville; one brother and spouse, Johnny and Lacrecia Howard. He was preceded in death by his parents, Taylor and Martha Jo Hall Howard. Funeral services will be Thursday, December 22, 2016 at Hooper-Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Bryan Hickey officiating. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday and 11-1 on Thursday at funeral home. Interment will follow in Crestlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chris Howard, Mark Howard, Will Paul, Hugh Goff, Jeff Woolbright, and Dr. Ken Wood and Honorary Pallbearers will be Adams employees. Vaughn's request was that book donations be made in lieu of flowers to the Putnam County Library in his name. Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (921) 526-6111. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.