Thomas Edwin Kauffman, 91, a resident of Sunnyside Retirement Community, passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at Sentara RMH Medical Center.

Mr. Kauffman was born on December 30, 1932 in Belleville, Pennsylvania and was a son of the late Ezra Thomas and Evaline Peachey Kauffman. He grew up in the Big Valley area of Pennsylvania and attended Belleville Mennonite School. Tom loved to sing and was involved in many singing groups and Men’s Quartets, throughout his teenage years.

On March 30, 1955, he married Julie Grace Yoder Kauffman, who passed away on July 12, 2023.

Tom and Julia were committed to, and served the Mennonite church in many capacities, beginning in Bullskin, KY soon after they married. In 1965, they moved to Mt. Union, PA, where they continued pastoring. Changing careers in 1973, Tom began driving truck and moved the family to Harrisonburg, VA where he drove for several companies. His last employment was with I.D. McCary, driving mail from Harrisonburg to Washington, D. C. five nights a week. Tom’s CB handle, while driving truck, was the Virginia Whistler. This suited him perfectly as he had a beautiful, pure whistle. Tom pastored to everyone, wherever he was. He never met a stranger and enjoyed people immensely.

He is survived by his children, Judy Leaman and husband Jay, Sherrill Glanzer, Joel Kauffman and wife Ariana, Regina Barajas and husband Rudy, Ruby Hostetler and husband Larion; siblings, Marian Byler, Irene Shrock; grandchildren, Janelle Leaman, Jared Leaman, Marshall Glanzer, Murray Glanzer, Monte Glanzer, Sarah Kauffman Boyts, Michael Kauffman, Alexis Suvanto, Kathryn Leonard, Madeline Martinez, Erin LeClair; and 13 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Kauffman was preceded in death by brothers-in-law, Mahlon Shrock, Benjamin Byler; and a son-in-law, Jim Glanzer.

The family would like to recognize the compassionate and wonderful care Tom received from everyone at Sunnyside and the care team at Sentara RMH. They cared for him like family.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Lindale Mennonite Church with Pastor Owen Burkholder officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sunnyside Retirement Community c/o Fellowship Fund, 600 University Blvd., Suite L, Harrisonburg VA 22801.

Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.mcmullenhfh.com.