Obituary of William Robert Kaufman

William Robert Kaufman, lifelong resident of Lebanon, Ohio and longtime owner of Kaufman's Department store in Lebanon, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on September 9, 2016 at the age of 99. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Janet Kaufman; daughter Rozanne Jhamb, sons William, Richard and Chuck Kaufman, stepson Dewayne Gordon, and stepdaughter Latisha Long; grandchildren Randhir, Kristin, Amrita, Kris, Alexis, Rob, Carrie, Jennifer, Kayla and Corry, and 11 great-grandchildren. Bob also leaves behind his best friend, Richard Herald. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Katherine; his parents, A.B and Rose Kaufman; a sister, Esther; two brothers, Sam and James; and several nieces and nephews. Bob was a community-minded man, and he was an active member of many organizations, including the local Elks Lodge (he was recently recognized for being a 75 year member), the Lebanon Kiwanis Club, The American Legion, VFW, Eagles, and Mathers Mill. He helped found The Ice Cream Parlor, and was an active member of Lebanon City Council—although he received the majority of votes, he chose to give the automatic position of Mayor to others. After the passing of his first wife, Bob was fortunate enough to meet and marry Jan. The two enjoyed many things together, including extensive traveling and even a party or two. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, playing cards, reading, feeding birds, horses, visiting the library weekly since the age of six and as many of you know, Absolut. He also had a lifelong love of music, both in playing and listening. You knew when a good tune came on because he would always tap his feet. Bob's Mother was from Poland and his Father from Lithuania. On a trip to find his roots, Bob and Jan visited the town of Nemunaitis, Lithuania where they found the church that had sheltered his Aunts during the holocaust. It was in dire need of repairs. With Bob's financial contribution, and donations from the people of Lebanon, his generosity reached the other side of the world and the town's church was repaired. Perhaps one of the most well known things about Bob was that he owned the Kaufman Department store in Lebanon, Ohio. Started by his parents, the store served many people over the years. Bob's father chose to make Lebanon the store's home after deciding the rental price in Middletown was too high. If not for that, Lebanon would have never had a Kaufman's Department store. Bob's position in the store began when his mother taught him to count so that he could sell Christmas candy at the age of five. Bob was called into service in WWII and served in the China Burma India Theater, and returned to the store as co-owner with his Father and Brother, Sam. Bob's generosity to ALL clientele is still a topic of local residents, who remember how in times of need, credit was extended to all, with no mention of deadlines or interest. Bob was a friend to all. He was a Husband, a Dad, a Grandpa, an Uncle and so much more. A gentleman and a true family man. He was proud of his children and loved them all the same. Although his final chapter has been written, the people who knew him have enough memories and stories to write books for a lifetime. In lieu of flowers, Bobby asked that donations be made to the Jump 'N' Jive Big Band from Cincinnati, Ohio. http://cincinnatimusicfoundation.vpweb.com