Edward Chris Kauffman

Edward “Chris” Kauffman was born October 22, 1940, to Elizabeth and Edward F Kauffman in Oklahoma City. He graduated from NW Classen in 1958 and from The University of Oklahoma in 1962, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He served in the United States Air Force Reserve from 1963 to 1969. 

After graduation, Chris began his insurance career with Aetna Life Insurance Company. While employed with Aetna, Chris earned his Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation. Chris retired as Associate General Agent when he and Ron Campbell formed Campbell-Kauffman, Inc. in 1981, where he served as CFO until retirement. 

Chris served on many boards and committees but one of his most proud accomplishments was serving as Director of The Panhandle Royalty Company founded by his grandfather in 1926. The other was serving as Trustee and Chairman of the Central Oklahoma Transportation & Parking Authority (COTPA) to which he was appointed in 1987. He was the longest-serving member, and he was very proud of what the board accomplished.

Saying Chris loved golf was an understatement. If you didn’t find him at home or work he was on the golf course with all his buddies! Whether it was at Quail Creek Golf and Country Club or Gaillardia, where he was Senior Club Champion 3 times, he formed many close relationships that were either with him in spirit or by his side as he passed. These men loved and cared for each other immensely. We would all be so lucky to have these kinds of friendships. 

He was equally passionate about Judy, his wife of 22 years. She was the love of his life in which they enjoyed many fun adventures. They were active members of Nichols Hills United Methodist Church. Judy brought to the marriage three wonderful grandsons which he loved as his own and they loved him as their Papa Chris. 

Chris is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Carol Lee; grandsons, Coley Lee and wife Miranda, Jeffrey Lee and fiance Riley Boeken, and Carson Lee (his golfing buddy). He is also survived by his sister Elise Kauffman and his nephews. He was preceded in death by Linda Kauffman, his first wife, his sister Kathy Lawson, and his parents.