Saul M. Kaplan

Saul M. Kaplan

Memphis, TN

Saul M. Kaplan, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and businessman who turned a family visit to Chicago into a McDonald's fast-food empire died February 25, 2016 at Methodist Hospice Residence. He was 87. Saul was born in 1928 in Peekskill, New York, to the late Benjamin and Celia Kaplan. As the sons of immigrants, he learned early in life about the importance of family and the value of hard work. Saul came to Memphis in 1946, and enrolled in Memphis State College where he played on the tennis team and developed a lifelong love for all sports. During the Korean War, he served overseas in the U.S. Army with the 45th Division as a frontline rifleman. Following his military service, Saul returned to Memphis and became an assistant buyer for the Shainberg stores. In 1957, he took a fortuitous trip to Chicago to visit relatives. There his wife's uncle told Saul about a new business he had opened in Kenosha, Wisconsin -- a restaurant based on a new fast-food business concept. It was called: McDonald's. After being introduced to McDonald's founder, Ray Kroc, Saul opened the fledgling company's 20th store in Memphis on Summer Avenue. More than 25 years later, he sold his McDonald's franchises - a move that allowed his entrepreneurial spirit to flourish. His ownership stakes were many, including Blockbuster franchises, shopping centers, an office building, a water slide park, a parking garage, car washes, Hampton Inns, Sheraton Inns, and a partial interest in the old Memphis Americans Soccer Team. While his passion was business, his true love was his family -- his children, his grandchildren, and his beloved wife, M. Bene Lendman Kaplan, whom he married in 1981. Saul's good humor and humility belied his good fortune in life for which he was forever grateful. According to his faith, "the world depends on three things: Torah, Worship, and loving deeds" and Saul honored these precepts. His civic and philanthropic involvement included the Chickasaw Boy Scout Council, the March of Dimes, the Kidney Foundation, the Epilepsy Foundation, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the University of Memphis' 100 Club, The City of Hope, the Ronald McDonald House, Hadassah, the Jewish Foundation of Memphis, and the State of Israel. Saul was honored for his devotion to many civic and charitable causes, including the City of Hope's "Spirit of Life" Award, the Silver Beaver Award, scouting's distinguished service award, and the State of Israel Bonds in 1975 and 1989. His business acumen was recognized by McDonald's Corporation early in his franchise career when the company named him Promotion Man of the Year. Saul was a member of Beth Sholom Synagogue and Baron Hirsch Synagogue. In addition to his wife, Saul also leaves three children: Alan Josef Kaplan of Boulder, CO, Laurie Kaplan Steen of Scottsdale, AZ, and David (Jan) Kaplan of Memphis; four granchildren: Benjamin Steen of Scottsdale; and Lucy Kaplan, Sam Kaplan, and Celia Kaplan, all of Memphis; his longtime caregiver, Donald Lloyd; and his dear friends, many of whom he met each week for breakfast and lunch devoting countless hours talking about sports and world events. Saul was predeceased by his brother Leo H. (Grace) Kaplan, his sister, Edna S. (Dr. Harold) Cohen, and his former wife, the late Claudette Mirotsnic Kaplan. Those who love Saul are grateful for the staff at Apple Grove Alzheimer's and Dementia Residence, and Methodist Hospice. The Kaplan Family asks that you remember Saul with a donation to Beth Sholom Synagogue, the Ronald McDonald House, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Funeral Services will be held at Beth Sholom Synagogue on Sunday, February 28 at 1:00 PM, with burial to follow at Beth Sholom Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements entrusted to

High Point Funeral Home & Crematorium

(901) 454-5795

www.HighPointChapel.com