Vaughn Duane Humphrey

Announcing the passing of our father, brother, uncle, and friend, Vaughn Duane Humphrey. He passed away on September 2, 2026, at the age of 91. Vaughn was born at home on June 27,1935, in Sandy, Utah, the son of Duane Edmund Humphrey and Iona Johnson Humphrey.

He grew up in Sandy, UT, and was the oldest of eight children. The population of Sandy during that time was approximately 1,100; and he knew just about all of them. His family helped settle Sandy and owned much of the property. There were only two main grocery stores, J.P. Jensen’s and Butch’s Hardware, a post office, two schools, the City Hall, and three churches. There was a movie theater, Burke Theater, on State Street and he attended a movie and a serial every Saturday.

His formative years were spent surrounded by many grandparents, parents, siblings, cousins, and aunts and uncles. He spoke often about the time he spent with his grandmothers Sadie and Ma. Life for Vaughn during the 40s in Sandy was that of a rural community with chickens, playing outside with friends, and riding horses by the train tracks.

He attended Jordan High School and left at the age of 17 to join the Navy with his friend. They were eager to have an adventure, and what an adventure they had. He saw the world while aboard the U.S.S. Blue DD 744. He visited Hawaii, where he learned to surf, China, Singapore and Japan. After crossing the Equator, he was no longer considered a Polliwog and was now a 2nd class gunner’s mate. It was difficult to become a 2nd class petty officer (gunner’s mate) in under four years. This is something Vaughn was always proud to have accomplished.

While aboard, they carried out screening. and lifeguard and fire support duties with Task Force 77. The battleship also took part in nuclear testing in the Bikini Atolls and designated crew members wore badges to measure amounts of radiation due to underwater blast exposure.

Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations, Awards and Honors: China service, good conduct, national defense, honorably discharged.

Vaughn always took particular care of his grooming and attire. After his discharge, he returned to Sandy, UT, and visited downtown Salt Lake City and purchased the top-of-the-line clothes. He always looked fabulous with the latest fashions and sported a perm in the 80s when they were popular.

He married Marian ValJean Ison (Wright) not long after returning from the service. They moved to Long Beach, California where he worked as a plane painter at Douglas Aircraft. During this time, Vaughn attended Long Beach Evening High School and received his High School Diploma.

Vaughn and ValJean returned to Utah where Vaughn attended LDS business college and graduated with an associate’s degree. He briefly attended The University of Utah before leaving to begin a career in car sales. He was a successful owner of Von’s Auto Sales. The first car lot was located at 3300 South State in Salt Lake City, Utah. He had many friends in the car business, but his most memorable are Sandy Sandwick and Cline Dahle. Sandy was particularly funny when he got on the loudspeaker and harassed neighboring customers with a laugh track and told them not to purchase a car at the other car lot.

He loved Chevrolet Corvettes and owned two vintage 60’s Corvettes and a few 70’s era Corvettes. People used to watch him drive down State Street with the tops removed.

He was preceded in death by his father, Duane Edmund Humphrey; his mother Iona Johnson Humphrey; one brother, Dennis Humphrey.

He is survived by his son, Garin Duane (Diane) Humphrey, his daughter: Nesha Marie (Gregory) Humphrey Holmes; 7 grandchildren; Jared Lew G. (Falishia) Humphrey; Jackson Vaughn D. Humphrey; Alexis Sierra (Dominic) Holmes; Chase Taylor Holmes; Dylan Scott Holmes; Michael Mair; Heather Mair: two great-grandchildren; Cambria Mair; Paisley Whissler: a sister, Cathy (Rick) Stott; five brothers: Gary (Geraldine) Humphrey, Roger Humphrey, Steven Humphrey, Randy (Penny) Humphrey, Terry (Colleen) Humphrey.

Thanks to Jennifer Park and Wendy Condie and other members of Bristol Hospice Services. Denice and Ivy and other members of Cedarwood @ Sandy. Garin and Nesha are immensely grateful for your care and love for our father. A special thanks to Vaughn’s nephew, Joshua Bailey, who provided 24-hour care during Vaughn’s last week.

Viewings will be held at McDougal Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 6:00-8:00 p.m., and on Thursday, September 10, 2026, 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. The funeral service will be Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah. 

Following the services, the interment is located at Sandy City Cemetery, 700 East 9000 South, Sandy, Utah.