John Emmet "Johnny" Gaughan Jr. of Camden, Arkansas passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Sunday, April 13th, 2025 at the age of 100.  He was born on March 1st, 1925 in Camden Arkansas to John Emmet Gaughan Sr. and Bessie Holleman Gaughan.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Jane Duval Streett, an infant baby girl, and grandson, Bryce Woods.  He is survived by all five of his children. John Emmet Gaughan, III and wife, Georgia of Fountain Hills, AZ, Emily Gaughan of Arkadelphia, Michael Gaughan of Camden, Ann West and husband, Jerry of Camden, and Patty Woods and husband, James of Camden.  He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Brent Gaughan and wife, Judith of Colorado Springs, CO, Anna Cox and husband, Brian of Tyler, TX, Rachel Wallace of Fountain Hills, AZ, Matthew Slife and wife, Daniella of Arkadelphia, Weston Woods and wife, Jana of Camden, Daniel Manning of Camden, and Ashley Hagaman of Magnolia.  He is also survived by fourteen great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild.   He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

Johnny was a lifelong patriot and highly decorated World War II veteran.  He served with distinction in the Army Air Corps and flew 52 combat missions in a P-38 Lightning.  He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters.  He entered the Air Force reserve after the war and retired a Lieutenant Colonel.  He kept his private pilot's license active for over 60 years.  He graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in 1950.  He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity as were three of his grandsons.  Johnny was a devout Catholic, avid golfer, and charter member of the Kiwanis club with over 75 years perfect attendance.  "Poppop" as he was known by his family and friends was a true gentleman and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Onyse Moore, Tanya Stith, Betha Weaver, and Verna Moore for their outstanding care and kindness shown to our father.  Also, thank you to Arbor House hospice along with Dr. Larry Braden and Dr. Bill Dedman for their outstanding care.

Funeral service will be 11:00AM Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at St. Louis Catholic Church with burial in Greenwood Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Ouachita County Historical Society, 926 W. Washington Street, Camden, AR 71701 or the St. Louis Catholic Church Stain Glass Window Restoration, 202 N Adams Avenue, Camden, AR 71701.