Robert Allan Kauffman's Obituary
Robert Allan Kauffman, 83, of Chanute, Kansas passed away on Thursday, October 20, 2023, at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center. Robert was born on March 1, 1940, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Edwin Homer and Lillian Bell (Sullivan) Kauffman.
Robert’s family moved to Chanute when he was young. While attending the Church of God, Robert met the love of his life Elaine Welch. Their love for each other was instant and despite efforts to break them apart, Robert and Elaine were joined in marriage on August 10, 1959. This union would last for 63 years until Elaine’s passing on September 30, 2022.
A short while after they were wed, Bob and Elaine welcomed their first daughter, Debra Elaine. Two more daughters Lorie Lynn and Crystal, followed. After their family was seemingly complete, however, Elaine decided she wanted more children, so the couple began to foster youth and perhaps they were the home for at the very least 75 or so children, one of whom they adopted to call their own, Rusty. Their family was full of positivity, and they could always be found at a table playing cards at most family, church, or community functions. Robert also enjoyed collecting antiques, comics, cards, and anything that caught his eye. He cherished his time spent with family, at the Chanute Senior Center, and having coffee with his morning coffee crew.
Robert was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and even went so far as to become a great-great-grandfather. He was one of a kind, never met a stranger, loved God, his family, and community. His legacy of love and devotion to his family and especially his grandchildren set a foundation that will never be forgotten. His family takes comfort in knowing that he is now with his wife and three daughters in heaven. So, in his words, “if he was doing any better it would be illegal!”
Robert leaves behind his son Russell Kauffman of Chanute, his sister Karen Kay Kauffman-Reed, five grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, and several nieces and nephews.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Lillian, his brother Edwin Gerald “Gerry” Kauffman, his wife Elaine Kauffman, and his daughters Debra Shultz, Lorie Ammons, and Crystal Kauffman.
Visitation will be held Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 5-7pm at Countryside Funeral Home – 101 N. Highland in Chanute, Kansas. A funeral service will be held Friday, October 27, 2023, at 11:00 am at Countryside Funeral Home. Cremation will follow at the request of the family. Memorial donations in Robert’s honor have been suggested to the Chanute Senior Citizen Center and may be mailed to or left with the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com. Services entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 101 N. Highland, Chanute, Kansas 66720.
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