1937-2026
Warren David Kauffman, 88, of West Liberty, Ohio, passed away at Otterbein SeniorLife Green Hills after an extended illness on Saturday, January 31, 2026, under the loving care of his family, Otterbein Green Hills staff, and Universal Home Health & Hospice Care.
Warren was born on June 28, 1937, to David M. and Olive B. (Hartzler) Kauffman. After graduating from West Liberty High School, he spent two years in 1-W Service at Brook Lane in Hagerstown, Maryland, where he met Elma Ediger. On August 15, 1958, he married Elma at Bethel Mennonite Church in Inman, Kansas. She preceded him in death on November 3, 2025.
Warren worked various jobs early in his career, then spent many years working alongside his wife, Elma, in two businesses, Kauffman Fuel Service and Designed Harness Systems. He was a respected business owner who demonstrated integrity in the workplace throughout his career. He valued honesty, hard work, and fairness.
Warren was committed to the West Liberty community and served on the Board of Trustees at Green Hills for over 10 years. He also served as a Union Township trustee, Liberty Township trustee, was on the Liberty Township zoning board, and was a member of a Logan/Union/Champaign County board that regulated business activities in the three counties. He and Elma spent a large portion of their early retirement traveling.
Warren had a passion for nature that was evident in the vibrant flowers and plants he nurtured with care each season and the time he spent at Blackberry Lake. He was an avid birdwatcher. Hours were spent by the window or on the back porch, binoculars or camera in hand, marveling at the delicate flutter of a hummingbird or the vibrant flash of a cardinal. Innumerable jars of grape jelly brought any Baltimore Orioles, his favorite. Warren found peace in nature and joy in sharing its beauty with others through his photography.
Warren was a lifelong member of South Union Mennonite Church, West Liberty. He served as a trustee and coordinated the maintenance of and planning for the church’s mechanical systems, too.
Warren is survived by one son, Randy (Tina) of Hilliard, OH; one son-in-law, Clarence Crump of Birmingham, AL; two grandchildren, Rebekah Kauffman of Columbus, OH and Drew (Hallie) Kauffman of Denver, CO; one brother, Harold Kauffman of Tucson, AZ, three sisters-in-laws, Irene Kauffman, Alona Kauffman and Jane Kauffman of West Liberty, OH; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He treasured his family and grandchildren and loved all the family visits. His legacy will live on through the many memories they created and the values he instilled in his family.
In addition to his parents and wife, Warren was preceded in death by beloved daughter, Kathleen Kauffman; three brothers, Dale Kauffman, Joe Kauffman, and Ken Kauffman; and sister, Ruth Detweiler.
A Celebration of Life open house for both Warren and Elma will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Foundation Hall at Otterbein SeniorLife Green Hills, 6557 US Route 68 S, West Liberty. A brief service will begin promptly at 2:00 p.m., followed by the open house until 4:00 p.m.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Otterbein SeniorLife Green Hills and Universal Home & Hospice for the wonderful care they provided to both Warren and Elma. Special thanks to family, friends, and neighbors for the many visits and invaluable assistance provided to Warren and Elma.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Otterbein SeniorLife Green Hills, Attn: Nicole Daniels, Executive Director, 6557 US Route 68 S, West Liberty, OH 43357. Please include in memory of Warren Kauffman in the memo.
EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME & Cremation Center, West Liberty, is honored to serve the Kauffman family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.eichholtzdaring.com.
