Donald Jon Vaughn

1936 - 2024

Don Vaughn, organist, taught at La Sierra University for 32 years before retiring in 1998. A Professor of Music at the time of his retirement, he also served as organist at the university church for almost as many years. He was recognized at the university's graduation weekend worship service the year he retired for his many years of service and for his work in constructing the church organ.

Don was born on May 24, 1936.  His musical training began as a seven-year-old, when he learned to play the piano by listening to and reading piano player rolls. His fascination with the organ started at the San Francisco General Conference in 1950. When he returned home, he approached Harold B. Hannum, organist at then La Sierra College, now University, about taking lessons. While at first rebuffed, he persisted. The study and association with Hannum profoundly influenced him and led to a career in music.

Vaughn graduated from La Sierra in 1960 with a degree in music.  After completing an M.Mus. at Redlands University and teaching at Columbia Union College, now Washington Adventist University, he returned to teach organ at LSU and serve as organist in the college church in 1966. He was principal organist during the 1970 General Conference Session at Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Beginning in the early 1970s, Vaughn began rebuilding and expanding the La Sierra College Church organ with the assistance of many students. The resulting instrument, now valued at $1.5 million, was named in his honor during the 1998 graduation weekend. He and his wife, Elizabeth Ann Lamoreaux, also a musician, continued their music ministry in Pennsylvania, where they resided untl his death on May 1, 2024, at age 87.

 ds/2024

Sources: Interview with Donald Vaughn, 1998; Review and Herald, 14 June 1970, 2, and 25 June - July 1970, 15; Columbia Union Visitor, 26 September 1963, 3; Pacific Union Recorder, 20 February 1967, 8; Organ Brochure, 1970s; 1978 LSU Yearbook, Meteor, 1978, Reflections, September 2024.