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In memory of

Vaughan Todd Pederson

Meadows Place, TX

March 11, 1955 - October 3, 2018

Mar 11, 1955 - Oct 3, 2018

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Vaughan Todd Pederson, 63 of Meadows Place – Houston, passed away on October 3rd, 2018 in Bellaire, Texas.

Vaughan was born 3-11-1955 to Mercedes “Peggy” and Ervin Pederson in Brookings, South Dakota. Vaughan received a band scholarship to South Dakota State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Music Performance and Education.

Vaughan’s humor and work ethic started early, working with his father at age 12 or as “White Eagle” a tour guide at Crazy Horse Monument during his college vacation days. Vaughan made it a point to smile and spread joy no matter what he did.

Vaughan was a pioneer in Church Orchestra, as the first Orchestra Director of Houston’s First Baptist Church (1978), where he composed, conducted and developed the program that still exists today.

Vaughan was much more than a “trumpet player” as he played all over the world, played for 3 United States Presidents, numerous musicals, orchestras, competitions, and bands (Rock N Roll, Funk, Rhythm & Blues) all over Houston. Vaughan was well known in the Houston wedding circuit, as a favorite of many wedding planners. Always able to keep up with brides either racing down the aisle or taking extra time with cold feet. Vaughan played more than just notes on a page, he played with heart and soul, encouraging new musicians and teaching others how to be a performer.

Vaughan was a successful Salesman working with Fortune 500 companies assisting with their IT solutions, working on 2 projects for NASA (Arctic Container Location & Space Station Inventory) and designing a tracking system for Washington Apple Growers.

After a heart attack doctors said he would never recover, Vaughan created an idea, looked for an investor in what became Cleane Air Services and Cleane Air Government Services. Over 17-years Vaughan marketed, sold and serviced his dream of becoming an entrepreneur, owning and operating a business that also helped people. Vaughan was featured on several nightly news programs touting the success and health benefits of his service. 2017 was his best year to date, with all his hard work was able to win a long-awaited government contract.

Vaughan’s passion for music came from his mother Peggy, he never stopped playing/writing music, or helping others find the joy of music. Vaughan wanted to help teach the next generation making it a priority to send his Grand Niece’s tiny violins to start their musical journey.

Vaughan felt humor was as important as food or air, he focused much of his life to making others laugh or see the brighter side of any situation. Vaughan often guest-hosted numerous radio programs as himself or one of his many impression (Bagdad Bob, Raj, Ol’ Coot, Winston the hairdresser - to name a few) always there to provide a laugh and a smile.

Vaughan felt his finest performance on stage was working with Music Box Theater in “Keep It Brassy” (2017) and “Keep It Brassy 2” (2018). Vaughan enjoyed riding his Harley (sporting a bible verse on the back fender), a proud member of the NRA & Houston Gun Collectors Association, WCR (Woman’s Council of Real Estate), loved to golf, indoor skydiving, watching movies, and visiting escape rooms, rooting for his favorite professional baseball and football teams.

Vaughan a proud Christian, felt charity was part of everyday life, not just a tax deduction as he donated his time, treasure and talent to Desplechin Children’s Home, multiple veteran’s groups, WCR, and local churches.

Vaughan is fondly remembered for his charitable heart during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, as he tirelessly donated his time and equipment to the sterilization of over 45 homes (close to 1/3 of his clients in the 3 months following Harvey) at no charge for the elderly and disabled veterans on fixed incomes. Without his assistance, they would be living in a toxic environment.

Vaughan is survived by his mother Peggy Freyberg, sister Paula Terveen and family, brother Shawn, his furry four-legged Shih Tzu Angel, thousands of music fans, grateful clients, numerous friends, and extended family. Married twice - his first wife, Julie Smith Avary and his second wife, Alisa Pederson.

Vaughan’s celebration of life 10/22/2018 was held at Houston’s First Baptist Church. No Funeral or showing was scheduled.

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In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to Harmony South Dakota Music Program.

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