Edwin M. Kaiser 1938-2023

Dr. Kaiser was born Oct. 15, 1938, to Edwin Carl and Mary Harris Kaiser, in Youngstown. He attended Austintown Fitch High School, where he met his lifelong love, Judith Boyer. They married Nov. 7, 1959. They would have celebrated 64 years of marriage this year.

Dr. Kaiser earned his undergraduate degree at Youngstown State University (1960), his Ph.D in Chemistry at Purdue University (1964) and did postdoc research at Duke University. He moved to the University of Missouri in 1966. From 1984 to 1991, he served as the first Director of the Honors College. He was awarded the William T. Kemper Fellow for Excellence in Teaching (1991), the Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor of Chemistry (1995) and became a Professor Emeritus in 2002. He taught at the University of East Anglia in England, three times at the University of the Western Cape in South Africa and at the University of Botswana. Dr. Kaiser taught organic chemistry to over 14,000 undergraduate students, oversaw successful dissertations of close to 20 graduate students, and was an adviser and mentor to countless students.

Dr. Kaiser was deeply dedicated to giving back to the community. He served as a volunteer officer in the Columbia Police Reserves from 1970 to 1985, served twice as its director, and on the city council from 1985 to 1989. Dr. Kaiser was a voluntary responder about hazardous materials for local fire departments. He developed a program for residents to safely dispose of their hazardous materials, in cooperation with the city’s solid waste utility, creating the Household Hazardous Waste Collection.

Dr. Kaiser and his wife Judy were actively involved with Meals on Wheels, delivering meals for 16 years. In 2009, Dr. Kaiser was presented with the first Howard B. Lang Jr. Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service to the City of Columbia, in recognition of 40 years of commitment.

He was actively involved in the United Church of Christ and served as its president from 1968 to 1971.

Dr. Kaiser performed his last concert with the Columbia Community Band in December 2022. He had a lifelong passion for music; in 1954, he was part of the Mahoning County Ohio VFW Drum Quartet that won the national championship. He continued to play for the rest of his life. His love of music was shared with future generations of his family, resulting in a multitude of instrument players, singers and songwriters.

From riding camels in Egypt to kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland, Dr. Kaiser and his wife Judy enjoyed a life full of travel and adventure. They visited all seven continents and over 100 countries.

Despite their worldwide adventures, their most treasured trip was the annual trip to his favorite place, the family cottage in the UP, Michigan.

Ed Kaiser is survived by his wife of 63 years, Judith Boyer Kaiser; his sister, Karen Martin; his five children; 13 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Dr. Kaiser was preceded in death by his daughter, Karenda, and his parents.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Meals on Wheels, 800 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65201; or the Columbia Community Band, www.ccbonline.org/Donate.

A visitation for Dr. Kaiser will be held 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, at Columbia United Church of Christ, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com for the Kaiser family.

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