Vaughn Edward Barkdoll, Sr, beloved husband, father and “Pop Pop”

Vaughn Edward Barkdoll, Sr, 79, entered his heavenly home on Thursday, December 2, 2021, after a two year battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).  He was born April 5,1942 in Washington, DC at Sibley Hospital, the son of the late Robert and Blanche Barkdoll.

Vaughn was affectionately known as “Eddie” to his family and dear friends.  He left a lasting impression of his willingness to go above and beyond any task.  It was often said of him, “if you need something done, call Vaughn.”

When Riverdale Baptist School’s enrollment doubled, he worked diligently to obtain permits for leasing the De La Salle College until the school could be built on the church property in Upper Marlboro.

Also, When the Nativity Scene was removed from the Pageant of Peace in Washington, DC in September 1973, citing “excessive entanglement in religion”, Vaughn formed the American Christian Heritage Association (ACHA) and filed a permit to display a live nativity scene on the ellipse for eleven years until it was finally included again. Under his direction, ACHA also placed a Bicentennial exhibit “One Nation Under God” on the ellipse, and in November 1990 organized “Operation Christmas Tree”, sending over 1000 mini Christmas trees, complete with decorations and a card signed by volunteers, to our troops in Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm.

His career started in retail sales including apparel, American Hospital Supply, Smith-Corona, American Express, Classic Waterbeds, and his own boutique – Nook & Cranny.  He worked in several political campaigns; Director of Public Works and Transportation for Prince George’s County under Larry Hogan, Sr.’s administration, and coordinator of a variety of community events under Parris Glendening; Carrollton Enterprises as President of Development Corporation responsible for the residential, commercial and retail projects and was involved in the establishment of Millsboro Ford in Delaware as well as coordinated the Ferrari Festival; and Larry Hogan & Associates as Vice President & General Manager.

Vaughn was the Golf Tournament Director for Dimensions Healthcare from 1996 until his retirement. Vaughn retired from his role as Vice President of Operations for Dimensions Healthcare System in March 2014.

He attended Landover Hills Elementary School, Glenridge Junior High School and Bladensburg Senior High School.  He was active in the band in both Junior and Senior High School. Upon graduating, he attended University of Maryland College of Business & Public Administration. During college, he was active in the marching, concert band, jazz band and marched in President Kennedy’s inaugural parade.

Vaughn met the love of his life, Yvonne, while he was working as assistant manager at Kinney Shoe Store in Landover Hills. They were married February 2, 1963. They had two children, Autumn and Vaughn, Jr. His grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Pop Pop”, loved him dearly and brought him immense joy. He and Yvonne were their number one fans and attended many school events watching their grandchildren participate in sports, music concerts, drama, quiz bowls and birthdays. He organized the mini-golf tournament for Rappahannock County Public School where two of his grandchildren attended.

Eddie was never idle. His mind was in constant motion forever thinking up new projects. It brought him great pleasure designing their home and the landscaping. As a passionate cook, his award-winning Chesapeake Chili recipe won him and Yvonne a trip to the islands. But what Eddie really loved was cooking and entertaining for his family and friends. Together, he and Yvonne have hosted Thanksgiving dinner for many years. With the 40^th “ruby” year approaching in 2021, it was Eddie’s goal to be able to host and celebrate this momentous Thanksgiving…his goal was achieved.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Yvonne, of 58 years and children, Autumn Hernandez (Cris), Vaughn Barkdoll, Jr. (Alicia Knight); grandchildren Kasey Japak, Christopher Barkdoll, Gabriel Hernandez, Sophia Hernandez, Ashley Freeman, Christian Parent; great grandchildren Kyleigh Japak and Rylan Cobb.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Caralee Barkdoll Bixler.

He was a member of Riverdale Baptist Church.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., April 3, 2022 at the First Baptist Church of LaPlata located at 9070 Hawthorne Road, LaPlata, Maryland 20646. We hope that many of his family and friends will be able to join us in sharing memories and celebrating his homegoing.

Memorial donations may be made to:

A&B Ministries, Inc., 2115 NW 10^th Street, Delray Beach, FL 33445

Calvert Hospice, P.O. Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678, www.calverthospice.org

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”
Psalm 116:15