On a sunny, cold Thanksgiving, Melvin (Mel) S. Kauffman, 84, made the two-hour trek from his home in Carlisle, to spend the day surrounded by family at Bear Creek Mountain Resort. The next day, he and his wife of 26 years, Kallie Kauffman, returned home where he passed with his soulmate and best friend by his side on Saturday, November 29th.

His final days were filled with joy, love, and the warmth of his favorite holiday, one marked by gratitude for a life well lived.

Born on September 19, 1941, in Paradise, PA, to the late Amos and Priscilla (Stoltzfus) Kauffman, Mel was influenced by the natural beauty that surrounded him at a young age. It followed him later in life when he owned chickens, Northern Bobwhites, and deer. In retirement, he had a passion for breeding, raising, training, racing, and buying sulky racehorses.

Ever the handyman, Mel and his late brother Omar owned and operated Omar & Mel Kauffman's Plastering & Stucco in Lancaster and Reading.

He was known for his loving personality, sly sense of humor, peaceful nature, and quiet demeanor. Outwardly, it was his blue eyes and Cheshire cat smile that made an impression.

Along with his love of nature and the outdoors, Mel enjoyed hunting, playing (and usually winning) Rummy, and rooting for his beloved Washington Commanders and Washington Nationals. He was a member of Green Spring Brethren in Christ Church in Newville, with his wife.

He was happiest around friends and family, especially Kallie, who he met 32 years ago at Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton, PA.

In addition to his parents and brother Omar (Betty), Mel was predeceased by brothers Daniel, Jacob, and Samuel (Mary) Kauffman as well as sisters Mattie Stoltzfus and Katie Beiler.

He leaves behind his son Melvin S. Kauffman; two daughters, Barbara May and Sandra Kauffman; a stepson Matt Snyder and his partner Bobbi Cushman; a stepdaughter Steph Snyder and her partner Jared Volker; brothers Levi (Nancy) Kauffman and John (Sandy) Kauffman; and sister Anna Stoltzfus. He had 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held on Monday, December 8th at 10 am, followed immediately by a funeral service at 11 am at Green Spring Brethren in Christ Church at 720 Green Spring Road in Newville, PA. Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 9th at 11 am in Forest Hills Memorial Park in Reading, PA, with a viewing one hour prior in the chapel at Auman's Inc. Funeral Home at 390 West Neversink Road in Reading, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mel's memory to Green Spring Brethren in Christ Church or to the American Cancer Society.