Donald V. Vaught, 70, a longtime pharmacist in Chicago’s south suburbs, died of complications from an infection Sunday, March 3, in South Suburban Hospital, Hazel Crest. Born and raised in Park County, Ind., Mr. Vaught knew at an early age he didn’t want to work on the family farm. “His dad agreed that he wasn’t suited for farming,” said Mr. Vaught’s wife, Alice. “One day, his dad said, `Pharmacists wear white shirts and ties and they work indoors. Why don’t you consider it?'” Mr. Vaught graduated from the school of pharmacy at Purdue University in 1952. A few months later, he was drafted into the Army and served stateside as a guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington Va., and later as a pharmacist at a base in Virginia. He returned to Indiana to work in a pharmacy before settling in Park Forest and then Riverdale, where he owned and operated Evans Drug Store for more than 25 years. “He liked helping people and talking to patients,” his wife said. “It was his life.” Mr. Vaught also was passionate about improving the pharmacy industry. He spoke out and wrote on such issue as drug pricing, prescription drug abuse, Medicaid fraud and recruitment. “He was known across the country for telling it like it is,” said his wife. Colleagues describe him not being afraid to take on manufacturers, wholesalers, physicians or fellow pharmacists. Mr. Vaught also was known for his “fun sense of humor” and his great interest in history. “It came to life for him,” said Alice. Besides his wife, survivors include a daughter, Lynn D’Angelo; two sons, Mark and Tim; and four grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. April 20, at Tolentine Center Chapel, 20300 Governors Highway, Olympia Fields.
