Wil Gaughan, 91, of Phoenix, passed away March 18, 2016. He was born in Centralia, Kansas, the last of 11 kids, on September 8, 1924 to William and Florence Gaughan. Wil was raised on a farm and rode a blind horse to school every day with his twin brother Victor. He enjoyed school and was Student Body President. In 1944 he joined the Navy and trained to be a Gunner, Bombardier, and Pilot. After the Navy he earned a Civil Engineering degree at Kansas State University in 1950. He was a Lifetime Member of Phi Kappa Catholic Fraternity. Wil was always busy in clubs, Junior Chamber of Commerce and was President of the Kansas State Boosters. Wil was a Founding Member and very instrumental in the growth of the Irish Cultural Center in Phoenix. He loved Irish music and was able to enjoy it as he was in great health all the way until the end. In 1953 he married DeEtte and had four children. They came to Phoenix in 1965. He was involved in his children’s activities to include Boy Scouts and coaching. For 25 years he and DeEtte were very involved in the Desert Dance Club. He worked for 25 years for Salt River Project and was responsible for the Navajo Generating Plant. Wil was an active parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church for 50 years. He is survived by his brother Robert, sister Rita, children, Charles of Phoenix, AZ, Rebecca of Seattle, WA, Charlotte (Daniel) Taylor of Hot Springs, AR, Victor (Margie) of Phoenix, AZ, grandchildren, Regina Gutierrez, Garth Gaughan, Daniel Gaughan and Allison Gerke, great grandchildren, Lorelai Gutierrez and Genevieve Gaughan. He was preceded in death by his wife DeEtte, parents, and eight brothers and sisters. A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. with a Rosary at 7:00 P.M. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2312 E. Campbell Avenue, Phoenix. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Street, Phoenix.
Mari-Elena Guido
Love and sympathy to the Gaughan family. How fortunate to have your dad in your life for so long. His legacy is not only his years of service, but his wonderful children.
Mary Schneider Loghry
Dear Gaughan family, I enjoyed your father very much when he moved into the Arizona Grand where our mother, Jeannine Schneider also resided. At meals-his laughter was contagious! When he was taking piano lessons, I’d ask him to sit down and practice. He was always a joy to be around and kept our mother entertained. May he rest in peace.
mary gaughan
uncle wilbur was such a great person! he had the best sense of humour- a little dry and subtle as i remember, he always got me smiling . i did not see him that many times in my life but all my memories of him are strong and make me smile. i’m sorry i didn’t get to know him better after i read all that he was interested and involved in thru his life. what a blessing he was. i’m sure he is carrying on in his usual style wherever he is now. heart hugs and love to all my cousins, aunt rita, and uncle robert….. mary catherine