Earnest Lee Vaughns, 71, Rock Island, IL passed away on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at UnityPoint Health-Trinity in Rock Island. There will be a visitation from 1-4 PM Sunday, October 16, 2022 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island. The funeral will be at 11 AM on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at Reliable Funeral Home in St. Louis. Burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis. Memorials can be made in care of the family.

Earnest was born on February 14, 1951 to Elliard "Jack" and Arletha (White) Vaughns in Eudora, AR. He grew up in Kenosha, WI where he graduated high school. On June 10, 1969 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served until March 1, 1973 when he was honorably discharged and returned to Wisconsin. He then moved to St. Louis where he started his career with the Federal Government and met his future wife, Sandra Smith. The couple was united in marriage on December 27, 1980 in St. Louis. They later moved to Middletown, IA where Earnest worked for the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. In 1984 he began his employment as a Safety Specialist at the Rock Island Arsenal where he worked until his retirement in 2005.

Fishing, golfing, photography, and making videos were some of Earnest's favorite hobbies. He also enjoyed going to the casino and playing the slot machines.

Earnest is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sandra; children, Shondria (Matthew) Brady and Earnest Vaughns II; grandchildren, Romeo Thomas and Trevor Sims; siblings, Stella Lucas, Michael Brown, Charles Brown, Janet Brown-Crockett; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Willie Gaston and Catherine Lay.

To sign the online guestbook, visit www.wheelanpressly.com.