William James Gaughan

William J. Gaughan, 84, of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away on August 23, 2024. Born on May 19, 1940, in Archbald, Pennsylvania, William dedicated his life to serving his country and his community. He is survived by his eldest son, Mark Gaughan, and daughter-in-law Linda Gaughan, along with granddaughter Maylena Gaughan. His youngest son, Scott Gaughan, and daughter-in-law Sue Gaughan, along with his  grandchildren, Lauryn and Thomas Gaughan. He is also remembered by his ex-wife of 20 years, Susie Gaughan, and his beloved dogs, Lily, Boston and Javi.

William spent his early years in the United States Armed Forces, serving six years in the Army and 14 years in the Air Force. His military career included deployments in Panama and South Korea, and he proudly completed two tours during the Vietnam War. After retiring from the Air Force at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, he transitioned to a career as a security guard at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, where he was recognized for his bravery during the tragic MGM fire, helping to save lives on that fateful day.

An avid crossword puzzle enthusiast and trivia master, William had a passion for reading and frequently donated books to the VA hospital. He was a devoted sports fan, cheering for college football teams like Penn State and Notre Dame, as well as professional teams such as the Celtics, Dodgers and Steelers, including spending his summers dedicated to watching the Little League World Series. In his later years, he developed a love for the WNBA, particularly for his local team, the Las Vegas Aces.

A Celebration of Life Lunch will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at 12:30 PM.  This private event is for close friends and family; please contact Mark or Scott Gaughan for attendance details.

A full military honor memorial burial service will take place on Monday, September 16, 2024, at 10:00 AM, at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Dr., Boulder City, NV 89005.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers or gifts, they request donations be made to Operation Paperback, a charity that provides books to soldiers serving abroad. More information can be found at [Operation Paperback]

https://operationpaperback.org/

William's legacy of service, love, and generosity will be remembered by all who knew and loved him