Vaughn David Kestner, 88, passed away on December 19, 2022, at Hospice of Laramie in Laramie, Wyoming.  He died peacefully with family by his side after a battle with cancer.

Vaughn was born to John and Virginia Kestner on November 23, 1934, in Rock Springs, Wyoming.  The family lived in Bremmerton, Washington, during WWII, and then returned to Wyoming where he attended Worland High School.  He studied at Tri-State University in Angola, Indiana, and earned his degree in Chemical Engineering in 1960. 

Vaughn married Laverna Alexander in 1954. They enjoyed several years of travel for Vaughn’s job as a mining engineer and started their family.  They settled in Basin, Wyoming, where Vaughn built his own home, shop, and construction company.  He always loved to tinker and could usually be found working on a project or invention in his shop.

He loved to explore and was always up for an adventure.  He earned his pilot’s license, built several boats, and enjoyed the open roads by motorcycle. It was a treat to go for a ride with him in his restored 1946 chevy pickup or go for a round of golf.  He also loved a good trail and a campfire.  Vaughn enjoyed playing bridge and had a good heart for helping his friends.

Survivors include his son, Gary (Anne) of Johnstown, Colorado; daughters Jill (Steve) Leinen of Laramie, Wyoming, and Teresa (Jack) Nauman of Basin, Wyoming; son-in-law Bill Gashler of Lakewood, Colorado; daughter-in-law Carol (John Loud) Kestner of Basin, Wyoming, eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, and his close friend Elaine Decker of Worland, Wyoming.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jerry; his infant daughter; son, Craig Kestner; grandson, Brock Kestner; and daughter, Marcia Kestner.

Graveside services will be held at 11AM on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at the Riverview Memorial Gardens in Worland, Wyoming.