Ellis Wayne Vaughn, age 84 of Richland, WA, passed away on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at Cedarhurst in Centralia. Ellis was born on June 20, 1939 in Salem, the son of LeRoy and Opal (Bolinger) Vaughn. He is survived by one son, Brad Vaughn of Texas; one brother, Earl Vaughn Sr. of Odin; four nieces, Cindy Boles and husband Chris, Lori Phinney and husband Gene, Rhonda Nichols and husband Bill, and Cheri Tumbleson and husband Brian; and nephews, Earl Vaughn Jr. and wife Vicki, Robert Vaughn and wife Rona, Kenny Vaughn and wife Pam, and Rich Vaughn and wife Angie. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, W.B. Grisham; sister, Donna Wagner and husband Clyde; and sister-in-law, Donna Vaughn. After graduating with the Class of 1956 at Salem Community High School, he relocated to Denver, Colorado where he owned a business for several years. Later he received his BSME degree from the University of Colorado - Boulder and his Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. The last 25 years Wayne made his home in Richland, WA, where he worked as a Nuclear Engineer at the Hanford Site. He had obtained his commercial pilots license and enjoyed flying his Cessna in his younger years. He loved the outdoors and mountain drives. His wit and humor will be greatly missed. A graveside service for Ellis Wayne Vaughn will be held at 11:00 am on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at East Lawn Cemetery in Salem with Kyle Boles officiating. Memorials can be made to East Lawn Cemetery and can be received at the funeral home. Crouse Funeral Home in Salem is assisting the family with arrangements.