« Return to Obituaries | Print
Jun 6th, 1922 - Dec 20th, 2018Funeral: 11 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2019, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora
Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday evening at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Interment: Elmwood Cemetery, Flora
Kelly R. Kaufman, 96, of Flora, IL passed away Thursday morning, December 20, 2018, at the Burge House in Flora.
He was born on June 6, 1922, in Equality, Illinois, the son of Gallatin County natives John E. and Annie L. (McHenry) Kaufman. He married Dora J. Blankenship on August 14, 1964, in Flora and together they shared 45 wonderful years of marriage before Dora passed away October 25, 2009.
Kelly graduated from Equality High School and served as a medical technician in the United States Army during World War II where he was stationed in France and England. Kelly retired after working 17 years for the State of Illinois as a Warehouse Examiner. He was a faithful member of the First Christian Church in Flora and a past member of the Flora Elks Club, VFW Club and American Legion. Kelly enjoyed having coffee with his friends each morning at the local McDonalds and sharing vegetables and blackberries from his garden with friends and neighbors. In his later years, he also enjoyed frequent visits to see his family in California.
He is survived by his daughter: Kelly (Kaufman) English & husband Kurt of Costa Mesa, CA; grandson: John Andrew English of Costa Mesa, CA; two brothers: John Kaufman of California and Edward Kaufman of Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters (Ann Vycital and Doris Schaefer) and two brothers (Charles and Ted Kaufman).
A funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2019, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora, with the presentation of military funeral honors. A visitation will be 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, March 22, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Clay County Health Department and First Christian Church.
Aug 8, 1939 - Apr 18, 2024
Jul 20, 1934 - Apr 14, 2024
Nov 1, 1976 - Apr 13, 2024
Jan 4, 1975 - Apr 7, 2024
Apr 22, 1958 - Jan 18, 2024
So sorry for your loss, Kelly.
I appreciated the friendship that Kelly and Dora had with my parents, Floyd and Priscilla Henson, that also extended to our family. Kelly always had a great welcoming smile. I enjoyed many visits with Kelly at the Ranch and at McDonalds. Thanks for your friendship, Kelly.
Kelly - the boys and I send our deep condolences. We enjoyed your dad so much over the years, and how generous he was with the blackberries! His humor, his family friendship to us...he was special.
Kelly K. and family- So sorry for your loss. We shared some wonderful memories throughout the years with your mom and dad. I know he’s happy now to be reunited with your mom. Love, Jean and family
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Kelly was a good friend and neighbor.
Little Kelly K-----My heart and thoughts are with you at this time. I think I have the distinction of being your dad's first friend and buddy when he first came to Flora many years ago. He was driving and old beat up Pinto and selling cemetery lots.The two of us also had the distinction of marrying two Blankenship sisters. He is at peace now and we know Dora is waiting for him May GOD be with you in the days to follow-------"X"-Unca Bill
So sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful neighbor. Bless you in a mighty way.
Kelly, We are thinking about you in your time of loss. We knew your parents for a long time through church and watched you grow up. Our prayers are with you and the rest of the family. Dan would visit your dad with communion and said the last day he saw your dad, they had a very good little conversation. God bless you all during this time.
Kelly, So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. You and your family are in our prayers. Just remembering the fun times we had playing sports in the driveway and listening to his instruction.
Kelly, My daughter Miah loved going to church and getting a hug from your Dad every Sunday, bc the hug was always followed by a quarter from his pocket. He was very special, as was your Mom. My grandma Mitzi loved them both, I’m sorry for your loss.
Kelly, so sorry for the loss of your dad! Will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSE. I KNOW HOW HARD IT WAS FOR ME WHEN MY DADDY CHARLES DIED. I AM THINKING OF YOU AND YOUR PAIN. I LOVED UNCLE KELLY SO MUCH. HE WAS THE GLUE THAT KEPT THE FAMILY TOGETHER FOR YEARS WITH THE REUNIONS.
Uncle Kelly was such a sweet, kind person..he loved his family so much, and we will miss his wry smile and pleasant chuckle as he shared stories and cute jokes..what a guy!
Sending you prayers Kelly on the loss of your Dad. We know how much you loved your Dad and the lengths you went to help and support him. Praying for you...
So sorry for your loss!
Kelly, We are so very sorry for the loss of your father. He was such a good man, and we will always remember him and your mother with fondness. Prayers for you and your family.
Jelly was one of a kind! He will be missed!
Kelly, please accept my sincerest sympathies. I first met your dad when he visited my parents at our home on East Fourth Street and they bought cemetery lots at the Floral Garden of Memories from him. I also remember him fondly at First Christian Church, which we attended until I married and moved from Flora. He was a wonderful man.
So sorry for the loss. We were very blessed to have him share part of his life with us at The Burge House. Kelly always had a word to say. We thank you ever so much for sharing him with us and he is truly missed by many of us here at the home.
Mike enjoyed having coffee with Kelly at McDonald's for many years. He lived down the block from my parents, Leslie and Mildred Cook and would take them vegetables from his garden which they really enjoyed. Prayers for all of you.
Kelly I am very sorry to hear about your dad.
Deepest Sympathy to Kelly and family. Last spoke with Your father several years ago at Equality High School Reunion. Our Crest Grandmothers were sisters, making us cousins. I live in West Chicago, but Kelly visited and had supper quite often with my sister, Becky Lehr, in Fairfield. I will be 96 in August. Would say Kelly and I lived to see and experience many changes in this world. With our sympathy, Dona Lee Baker and Family Martha Baker Harpling Chris and Danelle Harpling, Annabelle and Sadie.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
