William Kaufman

MCCLURE, Ill. — William Eugene Kaufman, 82, of McClure died Friday, Dec. 1, 2017, at his home.

He was born Jan. 12, 1935, in McClure to John E. and Ellie Mae Burchyett Kaufman. He and Mary Lou Mehrer were married Dec. 28, 1957, in Chester, Illinois, at First Baptist Church. She passed away June 11, 1998.

He served in the Army in the Korean War. He had worked for the Army Corps of Engineers on river dredge boats, retiring June 1, 1990.

Survivors include his two daughters, Tracy (Steve) Teague of McClure and Cynthia S. Gilbert of Evansville, Illinois; one son, Michael T. (Susan) Kaufman of McClure; four sisters, Daisy LaVern (Earl) Benefield of Thebes, Illinois, Roberta (Jack) Stevens of Thebes and Marcia (Jim) Scherer and Judy Sanders, both of Oran, Missouri; five brothers, John (Roberta) and Jack (Mary Jo) Kaufman, both of Thebes, Donnie Joe (Joanie) Kaufman of Cape Girardeau, Lloyd (Kay) Kaufman of Olive Branch, Illinois, and Curtis “Snake” Jacobs of Thebes; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife; one son, William Eugene Kaufman Jr.; one sister, Mary Watson; and one brother, Thomas D. Kaufman.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Greg Morrison and the Rev. Aaron Boyd officiating. Burial will be at Lindsey Cemetery in McClure, with full military honors.

Memorial contributions may be given to Addus Health Care of Marion, Illinois.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.