Harley M. Kauffman, 87, of Mt. Vernon, passed away Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at his home.
He was born December 27, 1923 in Evansville, IN.

He graduated from Bosse High School in 1942, attended Purdue University and Evansville College. He was a retired farmer and Vintner and Winemaker of Kauffman Vineyard and Winery. He worked for Soil Conservation Service for over 25 years, was a 4-H Leader for 12 years, and Special Olympics of Vanderburgh County coach in: Aquatics, Track & Field, Softball, and Basketball through the years.

Harley was a charter member of East Side Christian Church and Elder Emeritus, Mt. Vernon Mooselodge, Mt. Vernon Conservation Club, and for over 20 years, Indiana Wine Grape Guild and American Vintners Association.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Harley and Vevia Kauffman.

Harley is survived by his wife of 67 years, Bettye Kauffman (Deer); daughters, Karlyn Eilert (Bruce) of Wilkesboro, NC, Sharlyn Martin (Mike) of Mt. Vernon, Jaclyn Kauffman of Evansville; son, Kenley Kauffman of Mt. Vernon; grandchildren, Karissa Ormond and Dacia Eilert Holcomb of Wilkesboro, NC, Jeffrey Martin of Greenwood, IN, Lesa Amback of Duncan, OK; great-granddaughters, Briana Eilert, Lillian and Aubree Amback; sister, Ruth Palmer of Columbia, MO.

Services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, May 14, 2011 at East Side Christian Church, 2001 Bayard Park Drive, Evansville, IN 47714, officiated by Dr. Linda C. Parker, with burial in Alexander Memorial Park. Friends may visit from 4:00 to 8:00 PM Friday, May 13, at Alexander West Chapel and 10:00 AM to service time 11:00 at the church on Saturday.

Memorial Contributions may be made to East Side Christian Church Living Memorial Fund, 2001 Bayard Park Drive, Evansville, IN 47714 or Special Olympics of Vanderburgh County.

May 12, 2011
So sorry for your loss....Mr. Kauffman was a jewel and will be greatly missed in the winemaking world...He and his wife were very kind and gracious to us whenever we visited his farm...took us in the vinyard and through his winery and was extremely passionate about it all...still...he will be greatly missed.
Clark and Brenda Craig, Sullivan, IN.

May 12, 2011
Deepest sympathies to all of the Kauffman family. All of us here at Buck Creek Winery appreciated all that Harley has done for us since our venture into the wine business. Always a gentleman and always ready to give us a helping hand. It has been our privilege to be associated with him. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayer during this time.
Jeff & Kelly Durm, Josette & Dick Randolph, Indianapolis, Indiana

May 12, 2011
Betty and Kenley, sorry to hear about your loss. Harley was a special person he cared and gave so much love to so many other people he will be remembered for his goodness by many you are in our prayers and thoughts in your time of grieving.
Betty and Melissa Owen

May 12, 2011
Deep sympathies to the Kauffman Family. I remember as a child Harley visiting our home & talking to my parents when he was working for the Soil Conservation Service. He also taught our family(Edsel & Lela Thornburg) how to swim in the basement of the old Colseium. He was a man of many talents and left quite a legacy for his family. May you have comfort in your many memories. May God Bless you and Keep you and Hold you in His Arms. May the Angels Lead him to Paradise.
Sandra Elpers, The Villages, Florida

May 12, 2011
The Kauffman Family, You all have my deepest sympathy. Harley was a great man. Kenly, your father will be missed by many people. You take care of yourself.
Your friend, John Willis, Hillsborough, North Carolina

May 13, 2011
We are sorry for your lose. Sending prayers your way.
Alice (Cross) Klotz.