Phillip David Vaughn

After a courageous battle in the face of incredible adversity, Phillip Vaughn gained his wings and transitioned peacefully on Christmas Eve 2018 surrounded by family. Phillip, known to his friends as ‘Phil’, ‘Dr. Phil’ or ‘Roady,’ was born in Shreveport, LA to James and Enola May-weather-Vaughn on January 8, 1949. He later moved to Kansas City where he received his elementary, middle and high schooling before graduating from East high school in 1968 where he lettered in football. Dr. Phil began his career with the U.S. Postal Service in 1969 as a Letter Carrier. It was there that his passion for helping others intensified and he developed the desire to work in the union, eventually becoming Union Steward, Sergeant-at-Arms, Treasurer and Vice President. Phil’s triumphs culminated with a historic honor when he became the first African-American President of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 30. This much-deserved and hard-earned accomplishment was a crowning achievement that Phil treasured and dutifully executed for years, attending nearly every convention, meeting, rap session, picnic or Union-event that occurred. A quick-witted man known for his way with words, Phil was known for his “Phil-osphies” or “Phil-isms” like: “If you have a short memory, get a long lead pencil and write it down,” “the post office needs to stop seeing through people and see people through because they are not problem employees they are just employees with a problem,” and “we don’t handle second class employees, we only handle second class mail…all of our employees are first class!” During his employment at the U.S. Postal Service and working dual duty with the union, Phil received numerous awards, titles of distinction and milestone achievements including: Vice President - Missouri State Association, Kan-sas City AFL-CIO Delegate, Co-Chairman, Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) for Mid-America District, Muscular Dystrophy Association Coordinator (MDA)/Jerry Lewis Telethon, Viewpoint Editor (Union Newsletter), Entertain-ment Committee, Route Adjustment Committee, Building Committee, Relief Committee, Steward of the Year Award 2007 and Lifetime Achievement Award. Upon retiring from the U.S. Postal Service, Phil continued his dedication to service and helping others by becoming the Director of Retired Members/Health Benefit Representatives of Branch 30. When not working, Phil remained steadfastly dedicated to his family. He doted on his three children Monique, Phil-lip Jr., and Shyleah and spoke highly of them to anyone who would listen. He was equally as proud of his two grand-children, Shelby Brewington and Keegan Hill who affectionately call him “Daddy Paw-Paw.” Phil worshiped at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. A loquacious man with many lifelong friends in his community, Phil’s love for the Lord and others was evident to all who met him. An avid lover of gospel music, Phil especially the gospel group The Jackson Southernaires. Within Church and outside of it, Phil balanced his reputation as a dapper dresser with a love for lawn care. You could find him, on the same day he donned a stylish suit, getting down and dirty to maintain his immaculate yard — a constant source of tremendous pride. Some of Phil’s favorite pastimes and hobbies included watching his children and grandchildren play sports, having lunch with friends, and keeping knowledgeable of God’s word. Phil was preceded in death by his wife Sheila, mother, father, brothers James Vaughn, II and Charles R. Vaughn and a sister Elizabeth Collins-Bean. His life will be fondly remembered by his three children, a sister he treasured, Leola Vaughnmakona (SC), a brother he loved dearly Timothy Maywether (Latrese) of Kansas City and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends Cardona family, Dunn family, DayesFamily, Lee family, Moore family, Randle family, Rhymes family, Walker family and a faithful fury friend Yippiee!