Robert Gene Kaufman

He was born on September 22, 1927, in Sutton, West Virginia to James Boyd Kaufman and Bessie Iva (Hashman) Kaufman. Robert grew up working on the farm with his family, taught in a one-room schoolhouse, served in the Marines, and finally worked at the Telephone Company for 40 years before retiring in 1990. He didn’t stop after retirement, but helped Ann with the care of her father, and at Fry’s bagging groceries. Robert spent nearly all of his life taking care of others – working to support his family and provide for them.

During his time working as a technician with the Phone company, he joined the Mountain Bell Telephone Company Choir. There he met the woman who was to become his wife, Ann Sheely, and married her on the 2nd of June, 1962. Subsequently, they became parents to one daughter and two sons. He always took care of his family, his wife, and his children.

Robert, Ann, and his family went to church and were involved in various activities there. He and Ann took care of the youth group, and he often sang in a quartet at church. He had a church family at 16th Street Church of God (later Missouri Park) for many years. Later, after his retirement, he moved from Phoenix to the East Valley. Once he moved to Mesa, he often attended the East University Church of God with Ann.

He enjoyed camping, hunting, and music – he played the piano often, and music was a big part of his life. His repertoire of music was impressive. He continued to play until his death, and was known at his assisted living home as “The Piano Man”.

He will be lovingly remembered by his two remaining children James and Jennifer, his grandchildren Damian, Rachel, and Rebekah, and his great grandson, Ezra. He was preceded in death by his son Jeff, his parents Bess and Boyd, and his two brothers, Jack and Argyle.

No visitation is planned, but there will be a memorial service on December 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Calvary Chapel, Tempe, located at 3320 S. Price, Tempe, Arizona, 85282. His ashes will be placed at the Valley of the Sun Mortuary in Chandler, Arizona.