Warren David Kauffman, 88, of West Liberty, Ohio, passed away Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Otterbein SeniorLife Green Hills following an extended illness, under the loving care of his family, Otterbein Green Hills staff, and Universal Home Health & Hospice Care.
Warren was born 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 November 3, 2025.
Warren worked various jobs early in his career before spending 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 throughout his career and 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 more than 10 years. He also served as a Union Township trustee, Liberty Township trustee, was a member of the Liberty Township zoning board, and served on 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 each season and in the time he spent at Blackberry Lake. He was an avid birdwatcher and spent hours by the window or on the back porch with 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 attracted many Baltimore Orioles, his favorite bird. 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 in West Liberty. He served as a trustee and coordinated the maintenance and planning of the church’s mechanical systems.
Warren is survived by one son, Randy (Tina) Kauffman of Hilliard, Ohio; one son-in-law, Clarence Crump of Birmingham, Alabama; two grandchildren, Rebekah Kauffman of Columbus, Ohio, and Drew (Hallie) Kauffman of Denver, Colorado; one brother, Harold Kauffman of Tucson, Arizona; three sisters-in-law, Irene Kauffman, Alona Kauffman, and Jane Kauffman of West Liberty; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He treasured his family, especially his grandchildren, and cherished the many family visits. His legacy lives on through the memories they created and the values he instilled in his family.
In addition to his parents and wife, Warren was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Kathleen Kauffman; three brothers, Dale Kauffman, Joe Kauffman, and Ken Kauffman; and one sister, Ruth Detweiler.
A Celebration of Life open house for both Warren and Elma will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Foundation Hall at Otterbein SeniorLife Green Hills, 6557 U.S. Route 68 S, West Liberty. A brief service will begin promptly at 2 p.m., followed by the open house until 4 p.m.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Otterbein SeniorLife Green Hills and Universal Home & Hospice for the wonderful care provided to Warren and Elma. Special thanks are also extended to family, friends, and neighbors for their many visits and invaluable assistance.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Otterbein SeniorLife Green Hills, Attn: Nicole Daniels, Executive Director, 6557 U.S. 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.
