Eugene was the third of four siblings, born on September 25, 1949 to  Edwina and Eugene Vaughn, Sr. in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from John Adams High School in Cleveland, Ohio and played the French Horn in the High School Band.

 

Eugene was employed with the Navy Finance Center (NFC), and subsequently retired from his career with that Agency, which was restructured under the name of the Defense Finance and Accounting Service Cleveland (DFAS-CL). While working for the NFC/DFAS-CL, Eugene served in the positions of Military Pay Technician, Military Pay Instructor, and Financial Systems Specialist. While employed with this Agency Eugene also participated in many Agency social wellness activities, such as baseball.

 

Eugene was the great entertainer. He was always ready to share a joke or two. Hilarious as Eugene could be, he was the life of his children’s parties. He would jump right in with the festivities and return to his childish ways to make sure the children enjoyed themselves. As they became adults they continued to enjoy their special moments with their Dad while watching the Browns games, viewing the latest movies, playing cards, and visiting their favorite entertainment centers. Their annual Father’s Day weekend event was a time to be had by all.

 

Eugene loved listening to music, producing CDs, purchasing new technical products, cooking (hot sauce always at hand), playing board and card games (scrabble and bid-whist). All one had to do was give him the name of an artist and he would produce a CD full of recordings you didn’t even realize existed. If you wanted a soulful evening of R&B, oldies but goodies, or just merely a smooth relaxing jazz moment, he could produce the desired CD. Based on his love of technical products, Eugene kept a watchful eye on the release of new products. Cooking gadgets were certainly a quick sweep for Eugene. He was best known for his spaghetti, gumbo, and corn beef dishes served at family  gatherings.

 

Over the past few years, Eugene began to experience health issues. This past year became very trying on his body. Each time he was able to recover and   return to his normal routines, but on May 27, 2021 he experienced a leak in his body and he had to leave us. While we do not understand why, we know that we’ll understand it better by and by. Rest in peace Gene/Dad! You are forever in our hearts.

 

Eugene’s parents, Edwina and Eugene, Sr.; and brother, Larry preceded him in death.

 

Eugene is survived by his children: Jermaine Chapple, Eugene III, Ryan, and LaTarrah Freeman; sister, Delores Riase (Clinton); brother, Elwood Weston (Patricia), grandchildren, Trinity, Eugene IV, Aliese, Andrea, Allura, and Javion; two great grandchildren, King and Eli; nieces and one nephew, and a host of other relatives and friends.