David Wayne "Thumper" Kaufman

David Wayne Kaufman, 64, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, with family by his side. He was born on December 25, 1961, in Marysville, Ohio. Dave was a devoted father and grandfather.

Dave grew up on the family farm in Raymond, Ohio, and graduated from Marysville High School, Marysville, Ohio, in 1981. He worked for 23 years at Scotts Miracle-Gro Company in Marysville, Ohio, in packaging and distribution. Dave also served for a short time in the U.S. Navy.

Growing up, Dave played baseball in Raymond and Broadway, Ohio, and wrestled in high school. He enjoyed hunting and fishing on the farm. He had an adventurous spirit, a love for travel and exploration, and was always up for a road trip.

Affectionately known as Thumper, he was a kind, funny, and loving man. Dave was inviting and easy going. His young-at-heart personality and a mischievous sense of humor brought joy to those around him. He was known for his compassion and generosity towards others. Dave cherished his family and friendships and would always lend a helping hand to those in need.

Dave was an avid Ohio State Buckeye football fan; he never missed watching a game. He was an active member of several fraternity organizations. He was a long-time member of the Moose Lodge 1651, Marysville, Ohio, where he was a founding member of the Lodge's Buckeye Club to which he contributed a great deal of time and energy; this was one of his greatest joys. Dave was also a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles 3506 and the Elks Lodge BPOE1130 in Marysville, Ohio, and the VFW Post 7005 in West Jefferson, Ohio.

He will be dearly missed by his family, daughter Stacey Kaufman (Austin Eshelman) of Bellefontaine, Ohio, and brother John Kaufman (Colleen Way) of Dublin, Ohio. He was a loving grandfather to Darric Kaufman, Katlyn Corral, and Drake Corral. He will also be missed by his devoted husky, Tiana; she is navigating a new, quieter world without her buddy. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Mary (Spires) Kaufman, his brother Michael Jeffrey Kaufman, and his infant sister Kimberly Sue Kaufman. Dave will also be missed by many other relatives and friends.

The family will hold a public celebration of life for "Thumper" at the Moose Lodge 1651 in Marysville, Ohio, on Sunday, April 19th, 2026 from 12-4pm; Ohio State Buckeye gear is welcome! A private family service will be held at Forest Grove Cemetery, Plain City, Ohio.

Please visit www.fergusonfuneralhomeinc.com to share a special memory. Ferguson Funeral Home, Plain City, Ohio is honored to care for the Kaufman family.