Larry “Vaughn” Baker, 80

On March 22, 2021, the world lost a good man. Larry “Vaughn” Baker died unexpectedly at Maui Memorial Hospital after a short illness.

He was preceded by his parents, Wilma and Melvin Baker and a nephew, David Arnold.

He is survived by his wife Luly Baker, stepson Gregory Wigger, former wife and friend Roz Baker, sister Sue McCoy (Denny), and niece Emily Cash and family.

Vaughn was born on April 25, 1940 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. His family lived in Illinois, Texas and Oklahoma before moving to Gainesville, Florida where he finished growing pains. He graduated from Gainesville High in 1958 and then the University of Florida. After getting his Masters degree at John’s Hopkins University, Vaughn worked several years as a high school history teacher in Maryland before joining the government relations staff of the National Education Association. He was involved in many successful campaigns for NEA endorsed candidates, including that of his favorite: President Jimmy Carter.

In 1980, when a business opportunity opened up on Maui, after one too many snowstorms in Maryland, Vaughn and his then wife, moved to Lahaina and stayed.

In 1987, he joined the staff at Maui Community College as head of the non-credit programs. Eventually, he became the Director of Work Force Development for the entire University of Hawaii system until his retirement in 2011.’

A celebration of Vaughn’s life will be held on his birthday, April 25, 2021. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing may donate to the Lahainaluna Foundation for the Vaughn and Luly Baker Scholarship fund. P.O. Box 11617, Lahaina, Hawaii 96761.

Go Gators!

Online condolences may be made at: www.ballardfamilymortuaries.com

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Ballard Family Mortuary 440 Ala Makani St., Kahului