Martin William Kaufman

Martin William Kaufman, age 75, passed away Saturday, October 19, 2002, at his home in Leawood, KS. Martin was born January 1, 1927, in Hiawatha, KS. He served in the Philippines with the U.S. Army throughout the close of World War II. After his return, he enrolled in the University of Kansas and earned his degree in Architectural Engineering. Mr. Kaufman was a Project Engineer with Black and Veatch Consulting Engineers, where he worked in the Power Division for 40 years. Throughout his career, he was involved in several professional activities, including representing the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers on the Governor's board of advisors to the Emergency Management Agency on Earthquake Preparedness, and serving on the Dean's Advisory Board for the University of Kansas School of Architecture. Since retiring from Black and Veatch, Martin, an Eagle Scout, was active as an Assistant Scoutmaster with the Church of the Nativity's Troop 396. He volunteered weekly with the Meals on Wheels program, and sang in his church choir. Martin was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. He loved to travel, to experience nature, to learn and to teach. He lived his life to its fullest, with unbounded energy, enthusiasm and positive attitude. Martin was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Shirley Eardley. He is survived by Ruth Derrick Kaufman, his high school sweetheart and wife of 54 years; his daughter, Joan Sherwood and husband Hal; daughter, Joy Bower and husband Bruce; daughter, Ann Thomas and husband Whitney; daughter, Susan Kaufman; grandchildren, John and Brian Sherwood, Steven, Mark, and Curt Bower, Douglas and Kate Thomas; and Martin's brother, Charles Kaufman. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday at Church of the Nativity, 119th & Mission Rd. Memorial Mass will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Boy Scouts of America, Heart of America Council, Martin Kaufman Memorial Fund, 10210 Holmes, Kansas City, MO 64131. (Arrangements: McGilley State Line Chapel, 816-942-6180)