Wendell "Pete" Vaughn, age 64, former Mayor and longtime resident of Loveland passed gentle into the next world on Sunday June 11 at his home following a long, courageous battle with cancer and diabetes. He passed away in the arm of his loving wife and best friend of 45 years Billie Vaughn, and surrounded by a devoted and adoring family. Pete was a well-respected and active member of the Loveland community, serving on the Loveland City Counsel from 1977-1981 and 1983-1987. He served honorably as Mayor of Loveland from 1985-1987 and always recalled fondly the many marriage ceremonies he performed among the highlights of his public life. He was instrumental in the growth and development of Loveland, not only as counsel man and Mayor, but serving as chairman of various committees and on the Loveland Chamber of Commerce, where he served as President from 1990-1991. He also gave selflessly to the youth of Loveland coaching little league baseball teams, serving as Cub Scout Master and President of the Loveland Parent Teacher Association in the 1970's. In addition to spending endless hours on community activities, Pete was a successful and respected businessman in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area. From humble beginnings as a bread and milk truck driver/salesman, Pete became sales manager of the former Wilson Dairy and in 1979 acquired Sterling Ice Cream Company in Cincinnati. From route driver to CEO, Pete never changed his business approach, which was to treat everyone with kindness, respect and honesty. He was an honorable person. A gentleman of integrity and honesty, Pete was good-natured, always smiling, with immense strength of character. After closing Sterling Ice Cream in 1990, Pete joined Trauth Dairy of Newport, Kentucky as Manager of the ice cream division where he continued to work despite numerous health issues until earlier this year. One of the most important things is how great men know how to be humble and Pete was a master. He was a role model for younger co-workers with a real passion for the ice cream business. A 1959 graduate of Norwood High School, Pete devoted over 46 years to the ice cream and dairy industry making friends of co-workers, employees, customers and competitors everywhere he traveled. Pete served on the Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Association Board of Directors from 1970-1976 and as President of the Cincinnati Grocery Manufacturers' Representatives in 1999. As successful as he was in his professional life, Pete was more so in his personal life. For more than 45 years he shared his life and dreams with the true love of his life Billie Vaughn. Their hearts were as one. Their love and devotion to one another was inspirational. He was the supportive and compassionate father and mentor of four children and eight grandchildren. He loved NASCAR, trips with Billie to Las Vegas and spending quality time with his family. He will be dearly missed by his son James R. Vaughn, daughter-in-law Megan Vaughn and their daughters Taylor (15) and Alexandra (8) of Canton, Ohio; son Steven A. Vaughn and his daughters Melissa (19), Sarah (14) and Jessica (13) of Loveland; daughter Tammie S. Fritz and her children Haley (18) and Nickolas (16) of Deer Park, Ohio and daughter Jennifer L. Merz, son-in-law James Merz and their son Brodie (1) of Loveland. Pete is also survived by his father Arthur James Vaughn and sister Mary Jo White of Maysville, Kentucky. He is preceded in death by his mother Edna Vaughn Burton. His passing will be mourned for some time, but his life will be remembered forever.