Mr. Vaughn Lester Spence

A smile, laughter, encouraging words, the sharing of wisdom, skilled knowledge, and life lessons…Vaughn L. Spence was “the man” to many. He had a vibrant personality and was someone who commanded a strong presence with a kind heart. Born on October 9, 1945 to Carrie B. and Isaiah Spence, Vaughn was affectionately known as “Tootsie” by immediate family and childhood friends, and “Papa” by his grandchildren. Vaughn accepted Christ during his younger years. His parents, along with his infant daughter, Katherine, preceded him in death. Vaughn attended Wilbur Wright High School in Detroit where he excelled scholastically and athletically. Upon graduation from Wilbur Wright High School, he moved to Los Angeles California staying with his older sister, Charlotte, and began attending Los Angeles City College. He received a draft notice from The U.S. Army while in LA and was required to return to Detroit. While waiting for orders he met the love of his life, Patricia Walton on July 7, 1966. While attending city college, he became a member of Omega Psi Fraternity, Inc. through the Lambda Chapter on December 31, 1964. Before he left for Germany, he told Pat he wanted to marry her. Her response was, “Okay.” Vaughn was deployed to Germany in September 1966 and remained in Germany until August, 1968. Vaughn and Pat exchanged many letters throughout his two years of service in the Army and when he returned, they were joined in holy matrimony on December 7, 1968. While in the Army, Vaughn exhibited advanced proficiency serving in the position of Sergeant as part of the bridge crew. As a bridge specialist, Vaughn helped to manage teams in bridge operations while stationed in Germany. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) for his service during the Vietnam wartime period. Vaughn was hired as a finance manager for Household Finance, upon his return from Germany, and remained in the credit and finance sector until he was tapped to become a part of HUD, under President Johnson. When the administration changed, he suddenly found himself unemployed but was immediately snapped up as a road manager for his brother-in-law of The Detroit Emeralds. He traveled with the group, for various concerts/tours, until he got a call from Pat about a position at Ford Motor Company. He started working for Ford on June 6, 1976. At Ford, Vaughn was a pipefitter for Rouge Steel until he transferred to Ford working at the Dearborn Stamping plant. He became a member of the UAW Local 600. He retired from Ford in June 2006 as a project coordinator after thirty years of service. Vaughn loved sports, coaching basketball in his spare time, and becoming an avid golfer prior to his retirement from Ford. He continued playing golf in his retirement, with Pat playing alongside him. Vaughn and Pat enjoyed many traveling excursions across the world, visiting 46 states and over ten countries. Throughout their marriage, many of these trips included numerous vacations with family, and visits to see their children/grandchildren, celebrating many family milestones. He continued his love of reading, journaling, attending jazz concerts/festivals, sports, and being active through volunteering. A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Vaughn went home to be with the Lord on December 31, 2025. He leaves a long-lasting legacy and will be greatly missed by, his loving wife, Patricia; his siblings: Charlotte Steptoe (Greg), Sandra Mitchell (James); his children: Kevin King, Dr. Lester K. Spence, Khari Spence (Dinah), Chanda Schwartz (Leonard); his grandchildren: Imani, Kamari, Kiserian, Niara, Khari, Sommer, Vaughn Brycen, Aayden, Leonard III, Liam, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Mr. Vaughn Lester Spence

October 9, 1945 - December 31, 2025