Harold Carl Kaufman Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Harold Carl Kaufman, age 91, passed away on August 21, 2021 in The Woodlands, Texas. He was born on August 20, 1930 in Gary, Indiana to first generation Americans Katheryn Verna (Mathis) and Carl George Kaufman. In the early 1930's the family purchased a farm in Massena, Iowa and left the city behind for an agrarian lifestyle. Harold made many childhood memories with his dog Tippy and a horse he raised and trained himself. He graduated as one of fourteen from Massena High School at the top of his class and was an active member of the Pine Grove Methodist Church in Massena, Iowa. Inspired by his Chemist uncle, Miles McCorkle, PhD., he continued his education at Iowa State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. Harold served two years in the U.S. Army where, among other accomplishments, as a transportation researcher, he helped pilot a locomotive to the Arctic Circle to test locomotive engines and fluids in arctic conditions. After his service in the Army, he returned to Iowa State University to earn a Master's in Chemical Engineering before embarking on a 43 year career with Texaco. As an integral member of the Research and Design division of Texaco, Harold acquired numerous patents and traveled globally designing plants, improving operations and developing new business. Of his many travels, vibrant stories from Germany, Japan and Indonesia stand out. During his career, he was an early advocate and mentor for women in STEM and active in the Chevron Retirees Association. Harold married Nancy Ruth Hope in East Lansing, Michigan on August 27, 1955. While working with Texaco, they lived in Lockport, Illinois, Los Angeles, CA, New York, NY, and moved to Houston in 1960. Together, they raised their three daughters. He was devoted to caring for their daughter, Deanna, and her special needs. A Christian man of devout faith, he was an active member of Terrace United Methodist Church in Houston for over 60 years. He especially enjoyed singing in the choir and serving in leadership roles in the church and community. He was president of the Afton Village Homeowners Association for many years. In his forties, Harold began running for exercise and successfully completed 31 marathons including several in Boston, New York and Houston. While working in Japan and running in the rain, he developed an idea for inventing a hat for runners. Combined with his patent development knowledge, he patented his Runners Hat invention and marketed it to several companies, including Nike. Harold was preceded in death by his wife Nancy Ruth (Hope) Kaufman; daughter, Deanna Kay Kaufman; and sister, Delores Joan (Kaufman) Fleming of Omaha, NE. He is survived by his daughters; Deborah Joy Finley of The Woodlands, TX and Brenda Hope Alder of The Woodlands, TX; granddaughters, Dayna Finley Jackson and husband Taylor of Dallas, TX; Sarah Finley of College Station, TX; grandsons Ethan Alder of San Antonio, TX and Logan Alder of Austin, TX; brother-in-law, Carroll V. Fleming and niece, Sheila Joy (Fleming) Paczosa of Kansas City, MO; and nephews, cousins, grandnieces and grandnephews, all of whom he genuinely loved spending time with. A Military Honors service will be held for Harold Carl Kaufman on the Pavillion at 11:00 AM (line up in lane 1 at 10:45 AM) on Tuesday, September 16, 2021 at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, Texas 77038. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a future date.

Tributes

Harold Carl Kaufman

August 20, 1930 - August 21, 2021