Thomas 'T.D.' Kaufman Sr.

THEBES, Ill. — Thomas “T.D.” Kaufman Sr., 83, of Thebes died Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, at his home.

He was born June 8, 1933, in McClure, Illinois, to John E. and Ella Mae Burchyett Kaufman. He married Mary Jane Wallis on Nov. 16, 1956.

T.D. proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. He was a lifetime member of Carroll P. Foster Post 3455 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Anna, Illinois. He was a member of Valley Mission Pentecostal Church. He delivered propane for 46 years, retiring from Halter Gas.

His family and friends will remember him as a strong willed, stern but generous man who would give the shirt off of his back. He enjoyed fishing and camping with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Kaufman; three sons, John Edward (Tina) Kaufman, Thomas Daniel (Donna) Kaufman Jr. and Dwain Scott (Sharon) Kaufman; five daughters, Mary Elizabeth Scronce (Paul Matz), Tammy Lynn Kaufman, Yvonne Colette (James) McLane, Loralie Ann (Bobby) Mayberry and Alice Elaine (Michael) Johnson; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; six brothers, Bill Kaufman, John (Roberta) Kaufman, Jack (Mary Jo) Kaufman, Donnie (Joanie) Kaufman, Lloyd (Kay) Kaufman and Curtis Jacobs; four sisters, Laverne (Earl) Benefield, Roberta (Jack) Stevens, Marcia (Jimmy) Scherer and Judy Sander; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Watson.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Crain Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Revs. James McLane and Bobby Mayberry officiating. Interment with full military honors will be at Lindsey Cemetery in McClure.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lindsey Cemetery and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.crainsonline.com.