Our Staff
Our Staff
Jared Vaughn
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Jared Vaughn was born and raised in Fairfield, IL, growing up on a farm. He was exposed to funeral service at a young age, by his grandparents, Bob and Thelma Johnson, who owned and lived at the funeral home. Jared started working part-time, with them, during his high school years, and then, following his graduation from Fairfield Community High School in 2001, he went on to graduate from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 2003. After college, he came back to work full-time at the funeral home for his grandfather and became the owner and operator in 2008.
In 2013, he married Dr. Nicole Fyie, of Fairfield, and together, they have a daughter Alina.
Jared’s hobbies include competition shooting, fishing, hunting, scuba diving, and flying
Staci (Tyree) Morse
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Staci (Tyree) Morse was born and raised in Fairfield, IL, and was a graduate of Fairfield Community High School, Class of 1988. She started working at Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in May of 2008, as a part-time funeral assistant. After a few years of assisting, she enrolled at Worsham College of Mortuary Science, graduating in March of 2015, becoming a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. Staci has also attended Fountain National Academy, in Springfield, MO, under the direction of Vernie Fountain, focusing on hands-on reconstructive surgery and procedures.
Staci has been married to Robert Morse II since August 29, 1992, and they, along with their two adult children, Stuart and Lambri Morse, have continued to make Fairfield their home. Robert is the pastor of the Jesus Name Pentecostal Church, in Fairfield, where Staci plays the keyboard and leads praise and worship.
Staci’s hobbies include taking road trips to any city, listening to, and playing music, and photography.
Ryan Best
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Ryan Best was born and raised in Fairfield, IL, and was a graduate of Fairfield Community High School, class of 1997. After graduating from high school, he attended Eastern Illinois University, graduating in 2001 with a Business Management degree. Ryan began working at Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in September of 2007. He graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in March of 2010, becoming a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer.
Ryan married his high school sweetheart, April (Titzer) Best, on May 18, 2002. April is a Speech Pathologist at Fairfield Memorial Hospital. Ryan and April have three children, Dylan, Ava, and Caden.
Ryan's hobbies include attending his children's sporting events, working on his old cars, and attending car shows.
Charlotte (Veatch) Wise
Secretary
Charlotte (Veatch) Wise, since starting in 1994 has filled many hats over the years, including flower set up and delivery, register book prep, monument sales, car washing, and most all secretarial duties.
Charlotte was born and raised in Fairfield. She graduated from Fairfield Community High School in 1979 and then married her high school sweetheart, Jeff Wise, in July of 1980. Jeff is the Director of Maintenance at Fairfield Memorial Hospital. Charlotte and Jeff have two children, Julie and Christopher, and six grandchildren.
Char’s hobbies include camping, boating, crafting, reading, and shopping with her granddaughters.
Drew Pottorff
Maintenance and Grounds keeper
Drew Pottorff joined the funeral home in 2023 as a full-time maintenance and grounds keeper. He also parks cars in procession and assists with funerals.
Drew was born and raised in Fairfield. He graduated from Fairfield Community High School, class of 1991. For 30 years, he lived in Olney, IL with his spouse Tara Long and their son Ean Pottorff. After Tara's passing in 2022, Drew now resides in West Salem, IL. He coaches and also plays in a regional coed slow-pitch softball league.
His hobbies include playing softball, hunting, and fishing.
Katie (Vaughn) Fox
Funeral Assistant
Katie (Vaughn) Fox joined the funeral home staff in March of 2022. Her part-time job includes door greeting, flower set up and delivery, and general assistance with various other tasks at visitations and funerals.
Katie was born and raised in Barnhill, IL, and after being homeschooled, graduated in 2004. She has been married to her husband, Adam Fox, since October of 2012, and they, along with three of their children, Ransom, Zion, and Malachi, still continue to make Barnhill their home. They also have two other children, Jeffrey and Emma, who reside in Bakersfield, CA.
Katies hobbies include cooking, bow hunting, and spending time outdoors.