Aubrey Salyer Kautz, Jr.

Aubrey Salyer Kautz, Jr. of Morehead, Kentucky, passed away Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the age of 92.  Born October 12, 1931, he was the oldest son of the late Aubrey Salyer Kautz and Eula Jones Kautz.

He was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of both children, Donna Jean Baldridge Kautz, who passed away September 13, 1990.  Also preceding him in death was his second wife, Georgiann Allen Kautz, who passed away May 17, 2021. 

He is survived by a brother, Bernard Kautz (Wayne Flynn) of Sarasota, Florida; sons, James Russell “Rusty” Kautz (Lynnette Kautz) of Kellyville, Oklahoma, and Ronald Wayne Kautz (Howard Taylor) of Morehead, Kentucky; and two grandchildren, Savannah Kautz (fiancé Toby Delaney) and Seaton Kautz.

Upon graduating from Salt Lick High School, he spent two years in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany.  When he returned home, he rejoined Spring Grove Dairy, the family business, eventually becoming plant manager.  He also met and married his wife, Donna Jean Baldridge, and they had two sons. 

The family attended the Morehead First Church of God.  Jr. served on various boards and committees in the church.  Whether it was keeping the air conditioning running, planting flowers on the grounds, or whatever needed to be fixed or done, Jr. was who they called.  Junior was a gifted musician playing guitar and especially violin.  He had a beautiful tenor voice and was a member of the Disciples Quartet for more than 20 years.  He was also an active member of Gideons International. 

Junior loved to fish.  He took multiple trips to Canada, Florida, New York, Lake Eerie, Santee Cooper, Lake Lewman, and of course, Cave Run Lake.  If he wasn’t found on the lake, he would have been preparing one of his four boats for the next fishing trip.

After being in business for over 60 years, Spring Grove Dairy was sold in 1985.  Junior’s subsequent years would not be described as retirement.  He was either working at church, fishing, or in his workshop. He was an incredible woodworker and craftsman, and many people were given a pen, a bowl, a clock, or many other things that he made.  Whatever you needed, he could make. 

After the passing of his second wife, Georgiann, Junior lived in assisted living for the last three years of his life. 

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351. A life celebration service will immediately follow at 2 p.m. with Pastor Allan Hutchinson and Pastor Mitchell Burch officiating.  Burial to follow at Brown Cemetery with full military honors by Morehead American Legion Post No. 126. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideons International.

View memorial tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Aubrey Salyer Kautz, Jr., please visit our floral store.