Ben Kaufman

Ben was born in Hot Springs to the late Mr. Ben T. and Effie Lee Kaufman on August 8, 1928.

A Hot Springs High School 1946 graduate, Ben was a member of the Order of DeMolay, the Old Gold Book, National Honor Society and Delta Sigma Fraternity.

Ben attended the University Of Arkansas College Of Engineering graduating in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, the Scabbard and Blade military fraternity, and the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (now IEEE).

Later, Ben would join the US Army Signal Corps where he worked on the Mukden cable in Korea. After Korea, Ben began work for Westinghouse Electric in Memphis until 1963 when he returned to Hot Springs. Ben and his identical twin brother, Joe, travelled home and transformed their father and uncle’s business, Kaufman Electric, Inc. into a thriving engineering and mechanical/electrical contracting company. They retired in 1998 after 35 years with the family business.

In Hot Springs, Ben became active in the Lions Club, served as an officer of the Arkansas Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and joined Westminster Presbyterian Church in 1965, eventually serving as a Deacon and Elder.

During his time in Memphis, Ben met his wife of over 51 years, Catherine. After their return to Hot Springs, Ben and Catherine built their home which Ben designed. Shortly after their home was completed, Ben, Catherine and their daughters, Lisa and Karen, welcomed a permanent guest with the arrival of Ben Jr.

Ben enjoyed Lawrence Welk on weekend evenings; hunting with his father, brother, and son; and supporting his daughters’ dance and piano recitals. A patient, humble, and honest man, Ben was completely committed to his family and Church.

Ben was pre-deceased by wife, Catherine; daughter, Lisa Kaufman; and brother, Joseph A. Kaufman. He is survived by his daughter, Karen Allen Kaufman Wacaster (Jack) of Hot Springs; his son, Ben L. Kaufman Jr. of Huntsville, AL; his sister-in-law, Gretta D. Kaufman of Hot Springs; and nieces Gretchen Lee Kaufman and Kristin Stewart Kaufman of Dallas, TX.

The family would like to thank those who have kept Ben in their thoughts and prayers, those of whom visited, Arkansas Hospice, and Ben’s caregivers who helped him and his family through these difficult few months.