Kenneth E. Uffman

A wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great spiritual leader of his family, Kenneth E. Uffman, born May 31, 1928, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at age 84. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he became a resident of Baton Rouge in 1946. He was the Chief Executive Officer of the Credit Bureau of Baton Rouge. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Grace Lyles Uffman. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer A. Uffman and Violet Hunning Uffman. He attended LSU and played on the varsity basketball team. He was very active in the LSU ROTC corps of cadets, Pershing Rifles, Scabbard and Blade, and the Arnold Air Society, and later graduated from the LSU journalism school. After graduation he served active duty on Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. He served as information services officer, responsible for base communication. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force reserves and received an Honorary Discharge from the United States Air Force Reserves in 1963 with the rank of Captain. A prominent community and civic leader, Ken served in many local organizations to improve the quality of life in Baton Rouge. He said "Volunteering makes you healthy! Helping others has a direct connection to both your physical and emotional health. It keeps you mentally sharp as well!" He served as president and/or chairman of the following organizations: Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, Greater Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce, selection committee for the first class of Leadership Baton Rouge, BR Alliance for Good Government (BRAGG), Arts and Humanities Council, Annual Jaycees Christmas Parade, Istrouma Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Louisiana Senior Olympics, Capital Area United Way, Community Assistance for Public Education (CAPE), Junior Achievement, Baton Rouge Consumer Protection Center, Project Atlas, Metro YMCA, founder of Crime Stoppers of Baton Rouge, Community Fund for the Arts and Rotary Club of Baton Rouge. In addition Ken served as district Governor of the Rotary Club. He was the founder and state coordinator of The Louisiana Jump$tart coalition for Personal Financial Literacy. Throughout his life, Ken was awarded numerous awards for his service to others, including: The Golden Deeds Award (1990), National President's Volunteer Service Award, Volunteer Activist Award, Brotherhood Award by the Baton Rouge Chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, American Cancer Society Best Dressed, Rotary A. Payne "Hop" Breazeale, Jr. Award, Junior Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Young Man. He received four International Leadership Awards given by the credit reporting division of the Associate Credit Bureau of America for meritorious contributions to the Credit Bureau profession. The awards were among the highest given by the credit reporting industry. He served as the National chair of the Manship School of Mass Communications "Excellence Fund" and was elected a member of the Manship Hall of Fame. He was a member of the ODK Alumni Association. The LSU Cadets of the Ole War Skule elected him to their Hall of Honor in recognition of his distinguished leadership and contribution to the military and civilian sectors of the University. He also is survived by five Eagle Scout sons and their spouses: Steve and Marian of Baton Rouge, Kerry and Cookie of Baton Rouge, Keith and Mary Helen of Greensboro, NC, Craig and Claudia of Pittsford, NY, Scott and Erin of Baton Rouge. He was blessed with fifteen grandchildren and their spouses and three step-grandchildren: Michael and Adrienne Uffman, Amy and Brad Bunting, Chip and Ashley Uffman, Becky and Chris Eldredge, Connor and Amy Uffman, Andrew Uffman, Gracey Uffman, Kristi Uffman, Caroline Uffman, Callie Uffman, Sarah Uffman, Madeline Uffman, Molly Uffman, Cole Uffman, Emilie Uffman, Mackenzie Segrest, Brennan Segrest and Peyton Segrest. In addition he is survived by 11 great grandchildren with two more on the way: Kate and Anna Uffman, Haston, Hannah, Lily, and Luke Bunting, Brady and Abby Eldredge, Ella, William, and Audrey Uffman. He is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Glen and Lucille Uffman, and three nieces and their spouses: Karen and Norman Bacon, Stacey and Greg Blanchard, Kelli and Michael Landrum, and four sisters-in-law: Wanda McGowen, Manie Culbertson, Nancy Durham and Kitty Coleman. Visitation will be at First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge, 930 North Blvd., on Friday, October 12, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. A service will follow at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the local charity of your choice.