Robert Kaufman

Robert L. Kaufman, 89, of Jackson Center passed away Sunday morning, June 28, 2015 at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima. He was born in Shelby County on January 20, 1926 to the late Theodore Lee and Eva L. (Barnes) Kaufman. He was also preceded in death by a son William “Bill” Kaufman in 1998, brother Charles D. “Pete” Kaufman, and sisters Ethel Kempfer, Virginia Kantner and Margaret “Peg” Schmoll.

A veteran of the US Navy, Bob served two years in the South Pacific aboard the USS Anthony during World War II. He worked at Airstream, Inc. and retired in 1993 as the first employee to work forty years. Bob was a 50+ year member of the Jackson Center American Legion Scherer Post #493 and was a Past Commander. He was also a 50+ year member of the Masonic Lodge. Bob served as village council member and was a Shelby County Democratic Central Committeeman. Bob also was a member of the Maplewood Grange where he was a member of the Executive Committee for many years.

Bob was a member of Jackson Center United Methodist Church where he was Sunday school Superintendent, former Trustee, choir member and was a delegate to the church conference.

Bob was a charter member of the “Playhouse Crew” and loved to fish, golf, work outside and visit with his friends at Wendy’s. He was also an avid reader, enjoyed woodworking and loved to travel. He was a member and hosted the Holiday House for twenty years.

Bob is survived by his wife, Wanda M. (Sherer) Kaufman whom he married on November 27, 1948 at the Jackson Center United Methodist Church. Also surviving are three daughters, Sue Kaufman of Sidney, Jane Kaufman of Sidney and Jill (Jeff) Payne of Bellefontaine; three grandchildren: Jennifer Kaufman of Piqua, Ben Kaufman of Columbus and Stacy Kaufman of Bowling Green, Kentucky; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Vera Hall of Sidney; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2015 from 2-8pm at the Jackson Center United Methodist Church, 202 E. Pike St., and on Friday, July 3, 2015 from 10am – 11am. Pastor Rob Ulmer will officiate the funeral service on Friday, July 3, 2015 at 11am at the church. Burial will be in Glen Cemetery with military honors provided by the Jackson Center American Legion Scherer Post #493.

The staff of Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, Jackson Center, assisted the family with arrangements.

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