August 19, 2015

Roger D. Kaufman Sr., 68, of Drexel, Mo., passed away Aug. 14, 2015, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Mo.
He was born Oct. 7, 1946, to James and Gloria Kaufman in Kansas City, Kan. He grew up on a farm outside of Drexel, Mo., and graduated from High School in Louisburg, Kan. He then chose to enlist in the Navy when he was 17. He served four tours in Vietnam; three years as a naval advisor, and one year with navy seals in the Delta. Upon release from active duty his rank was EN3.
On June 27, 1970, he married his bride Ida Wisdom, and together they had two children, Angie and Ace. Roger retired from the Carpenter/Millwright local 1529 at age 62. In his lifetime, Roger had lots of hobbies: hot rods, motorcycles, and mud trucks. He was a cowboy and mechanic and could build or fix anything. He spent most of his time in the shop building the next latest and greatest things. From shopping around on Craigslist and going to and from swap meets he was able to relax and do what he loved while wondering how he would find time to do it. Though he was a man of few words, he was the most genuine and honest man anyone would love the opportunity to meet.
Roger is survived by his mother Gloria Kaufman of Drexel, Mo.; his wife Ida (Wisdom) Kaufman of Merwin, Mo.; his two children, Roger Jr. “Ace” and Kim Kaufman of Amsterdam, Mo., Angie Kaufman and Kirk Wright of Arlington, Texas; his four grandchildren, Shelley Kaufman, Eric Kaufman, Samantha Hopkins and Devan Hopkins; his brothers, Brian Kaufman and Brenda of Drexel, Mo., Ricky and Connie Kaufman of Drexel, Mo., Bim Kaufman of Drexel, Mo.; his sister Mona Kaufman of Wichita Falls, Texas; and many other friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his father James A. Kaufman Sr.; his sisters, Denise Burton and Sherry Page; and brother Terry Kaufman.
Funeral services were Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2015 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel in Drexel (660-679-0009) with Rev. Oliver Hawk officiating. Burial was in West Point Cemetery, Amsterdam, Mo. Contributions are suggested to the family for a memorial, or to the K.C. Honor Flight.