Kelly R. Kaufman of Flora, formerly of Equality

Kelly R. Kaufman, 96, of Flora, passed away on Dec. 20, 2018, at the Burge House in Flora. He was born on June 6, 1922, in Equality, the son of Gallatin County natives John E. and Annie L. (McHenry) Kaufman.

He married Dora J. Blankenship on Aug. 14, 1964, in Flora and together they shared 45 wonderful years of marriage before Dora passed away Oct. 25, 2009.

Kelly graduated from Equality High School and was a medical technician in the U.S. Army during World War II, 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 McDonald's and sharing vegetables and blackberries from his garden with friends and neighbors. In his later years, he enjoyed frequent visits to see family in California.

He is survived by his daughter, Kelly (Kaufman) English and husband Kurt of Costa Mesa, California; a grandson, John Andrew English of Costa Mesa, California; and 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 begin at 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 honors.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 22, at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Clay County Health Department and First Christian Church.