Vaughn Elden Stimbert's Obituary
Dr. Vaughn Elden Stimbert, 90, died at home on May 27, 2025, in Memphis, Tennessee. Born October 31, 1934, in Omaha, Nebraska, Vaughn graduated from Messick High School and Memphis State College in Memphis, Tennessee. He served in the United States Air Force as a Navigator Bombardier in B-47 aircraft during the Cold War. Following his military service, Vaughn began a 55-year career in experimental and child psychology, receiving his Ph.D. from Florida State University. He was an assistant professor at Memphis State University and an associate professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where he served as Chief of Psychology at the Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities.
In 1982, he began an independent practice in neuro-developmental disorders and provided psychological services for over 40 years to the Paramedic Training Program at Southwest Tennessee Community College. Throughout his career, he served as a consultant to most of the developmental programs in West Tennessee. He was instrumental in launching the autistic program for Memphis Shelby County Schools and was dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with developmental disabilities and their families.
Tennis was a lifelong favorite sport, and he enjoyed playing with friends and family into his 80s. He was a dedicated classical music enthusiast and a long-time patron of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. As a collector and builder of model trains, planes, and cars from a young age, he delighted in sharing them as a grandfather. His faithful dog, Snoopy, was never far from his side.
He leaves his two children Susan (Boyd) Bullock of Richmond, Virginia, and Cindy (Steve) Sands of Memphis, Tennessee. He was fortunate to have five grandchildren who were a constant source of pride and amazement. They are John Boyd Bullock III, Andrew Vaughn Bullock, William Carl Bullock, Lilly Elizabeth Sands, and Weston William Sands. He also leaves a sister-in-law, Ginger (James) Webb of Memphis, Tennessee, and two nephews, Kevin (Leslie) Patterson and Brian Patterson of Novato, California.
Vaughn was predeceased by his beloved wife of 55 years, Betty Mothershed Stimbert, parents Elden Carl Stimbert and Mildred Irene Crom Stimbert, as well as his sister Phyllis Stimbert Patterson.
Visitation will be at Memorial Park Funeral Home on Saturday, May 31 at 10 a.m. The memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. with graveside services to follow. Memorials may be sent to the Memphis Symphony Orchestra or charity of your choice. The family would like to thank caregivers, Cindy Marshall and Cindy Udell, and Methodist Hospice for their wonderful support and care.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Where Memphis comes to remember, since 1924.”
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