Bonham, Texas -- Michael Augustus “Mike” Vaught, 79, of Bonham, Texas, passed away on September 9, 2026, at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Allen. A beloved husband, father, educator, and longtime member of the Bonham community, Mike will be remembered for his love of family, learning, adventure, and the outdoors.

Mike was born on December 24, 1946, in Bonham, Texas, to J.D. Vaught and Olivia Cockrill Vaught. He graduated from Bonham High School in 1965 and continued his education at East Texas State University, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. On June 30, 1967, Mike married his beloved wife, Linda Dianne Garner Vaught, at Northside Church of Christ in Bonham. Together, they shared 59 years of marriage filled with family, travel, and many adventures.

Mike dedicated much of his life to education as a teacher at Bonham High School. Throughout his career, he taught English, chemistry, and physics and also worked with the school’s robotics team. His love of learning extended well beyond the classroom, and he made a lasting impact on the many students he taught and mentored throughout the years.

Outside of education, Mike was an antique dealer and owned a retail shop where he enjoyed refinishing and giving new life to unique pieces. He was also active in his community, serving as a former member of the BEDCO committee and on the Lake Fannin Historical Commission board. His love of the outdoors led him to help build hiking and biking trails at Bonham State Park and Lake Fannin for others to enjoy.

Mike loved to travel, with Colorado holding a special place in his heart. He enjoyed skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing, but he also appreciated the quieter moments. Some of his favorite times were spent simply sitting beside the Dolores River, listening to the water and enjoying the cool mountain breeze with his family. Mike was known for his great sense of humor and love of puns, and he found joy in both adventure and life’s simple pleasures.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, J.D. and Olivia Vaught; brothers, Jim Vaught and Bob Vaught; mother-in-law, Leola Garner; and sisters-in-law, Annette Vaught and Leta Jameson.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Vaught; daughter, Kristel Jech and husband Clint of Dallas; sisters-in-law, Peggy Vaught and Henrietta Fulenwider; nieces, Cheryl Vaught, Suzanne Vaught, Lecia Malone and husband Larry, Amy Dawn, and Stefane Carpenter and husband Rocky; nephew, John Vaught and wife Charlsie; great-nieces and great-nephews, J.D. Malone, Madeleine Malone, Katherine Voigt and husband William, and Maggie Vaught; along with extended family and many friends who will cherish Mike’s memory.

A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home in Bonham. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate Mike’s life.

To share a memory or leave an online condolence please visit, www.coopersorrells.com