Our friend and colleague Ben Vaughan left this life on August 11, 2024.
Ben grew up in Corpus Christi, and spoke fondly of a youth spent hunting and fishing near the Gulf Coast. He received his A.B. degree in 1963 from Stanford University majoring in classics, and began his Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania with the intention of pursuing a teaching career in Greek and Latin. After a family medical crisis, Ben decided to return to his home state to pursue law instead. He obtained his LL.B. degree with honors in 1967 from The University of Texas School of Law, where he served as an Associate Editor of the Texas Law Review, and graduated Order of the Coif.
Ben clerked at Graves Dougherty Gee & Hearon (as the firm was then called) after his first year, and after a year-long appointment as law clerk to Justice Robert W. Hamilton of the Texas Supreme Court, joined the firm in August 1968 – a partnership that would endure for the next 56 years. He was a daily and beloved presence at Graves Dougherty until the day before his death.
Ben was dedicated to his clients and his family. He was also a dedicated conservationist and sportsman, committed to preserving Texas’ bays and estuaries. He received awards from Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Coastal Conservation Association, the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, and the UT College of Natural Science for his efforts. Ben was the moving force in founding the Ben F. Vaughan Jr. Hatchery and Research Center in Corpus Christi, named for his father, which was instrumental in restoring redfish to Texas’ waters. He lobbied tirelessly for preservation of river water rights benefitting Texas’ bays.
Ben raised and trained many Brittany Spaniels, all descendants of his pride and joy Hector, the best dog who ever lived. Ben was also known for his South Texas aphorisms: Smilin’ like a possum eatin’ green persimmons – happy as a duck eatin’ a June bug – a little bit of a lot can be a bunch.
Ben was generous to a fault. He never refused a request for help. He sought out the best in everyone he met. He was a man of faith and practiced his faith in his work and in his charity.
Ben was a dedicated husband and father, and our deepest condolences go out to Ben’s wife of 60 years, Daphne; their children, Bear and James; and all extended family. Ben will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.
A funeral mass for Ben will be held Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 11:30 AM at Saint Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church, 126 W Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704.