Kauffman, Robert Eugene (1955-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Mar 24 p. 3

Birth date: 1954 Jun 12

text of obituary:

Indiana Lad Fatally Hurt in Accident

HEAVY GATE FALLS ON ROBERT EUGENE KAUFFMAN, AGE 5

Goshen, Ind. — Robert Eugene Kauffman, 5, son of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin E. Kauffman of Rt. 4, Goshen, died while his father was rushing him to the hospital after an accident at their country home.

On Saturday, March 12, Bobby's father was constructing gate-like partitions in their small barn. Boby [sic Bobby] had begun to climb up on a 4x4½ foot gate, which was built of heavy beech lumber, apparently putting his head between two of the crossbars as he climbed.

The gate was standing in such a position that it toppled forward with the boy's head through the crossbars, landing with one crossbar on top of his head. Death was attributed to a skull fracture and excessive bleeding.

Surviving the child are his father and mother, the former Miss Loretta Burkey; a brother, Jeffrie [sic Jeffrey], aged twenty months; the maternal step-grandfather and the grandmother, Mr. and Mrs. Simon Yoder; and the paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John F. Kauffman, all of the Goshen community. Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 15, at the Benton Mennonite church, with Bro. Galen Johns officiating.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Apr 14 p. 10

text of obituary:

ROBERT E. KAUFFMAN

Robert Eugene Kauffman was born to Melvin and Loretta (Burkey) Kauffman at Goshen, Ind. on June 12, 1954 and passed away March 12,1960 en route to the Goshen hospital, at the age of five years and nine months. Death was caused by cranial fracture when a gate fell on him.

Bobby was an active boy who enjoyed life a great deal, especially his family relationships. He spent the last day of his short life doing what he enjoyed so much, working with his father.

Surviving are his parents and one brother Jeffrey Lamar, aged 20 months, his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John F. Kauffman and Mr. and Mrs. Simon Yoder, all of the Goshen community, and a number of uncles and aunts and young cousins. Many friends, young and old, will also miss him.

Funeral services were held at the Benton Mennonite church on March 15, in charge of Galen Johns assisted by E. J. Yoder.