CONNEAUT — The voice of Conneaut for so many years has been stilled.
Ken Vaughn, 72, a radio presence in the city for more than three decades, has died, according to reports. Relatives discovered his body inside his Conneaut home Friday afternoon, according to neighbors.
Vaughn worked in broadcasting for more than 40 years, 31 of them at WWOW, the local radio station. He came to Conneaut by way of Akron, where his family was established.
"I had no intention of staying," Vaughn told the former Conneaut News-Herald in 1991. "I was just passing through. But I liked the people and I liked the town."
Vaughn initially studied engineering in Cleveland, but quit to work as a copy boy at the old Cleveland Press. He spent two years as the wire editor for the San Francisco Chronicle before taking his first broadcasting job in Akron.
Marty Landon, WWOW general manager, worked with Vaughn for many years.
"He trained me," Landon said. "I worked very closely with him."
Vaughn wore many hats at the station. He was officially WWOW's news director, but he also spun records and hosted a popular morning call-in talk show and "Trading Post," where listeners advertised items for sale.
He was a fixture at public meetings, including City Council sessions.
Vaughn may have been at his best during interviews, Landon said.
"I never saw anyone conduct an interview like Ken," he said. "He could relax people and bring out their best. His general knowledge was phenomenal."
Vaughn's radio career came to an abrupt halt in 2000, when the station changed its format and he and other staffers were fired. Vaughn shrugged off the setback.
"It doesn't look like I'm included in what they want to do," he told the Star Beacon at the time.
Soon after, he worked as host of a locally-produced television show that appeared on the city's government access channels and also wrote poetry — some he recorded and put on a compact disc.
He enjoyed a host of loyal listeners during his Conneaut radio days. In 1991, he topped a poll of Ashtabula County's most popular radio personalities, snagging 25 percent of the total vote.
At the time, Vaughn said he was "amazed, astounded and very grateful" for the support.
The Marcy Funeral Home of Conneaut is in charge of arrangements.
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Conneaut icon, Ken Vaughn, dies at age 72
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