Ewing Marion Kauffman*

Ewing Kauffman was born in Garden City, Missouri in 1916 and grew up in Kansas City. In his youth, he sold fish and eggs door to door.

Kauffman worked through high school and junior college driving a laundry truck. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, then worked six years as a pharmaceutical salesman. In 1950, he founded Marion Laboratories, Inc., which he began with a $4,500 investment. Initially, he operated his company from the basement of his home.

Later, Marion Laboratories merged with Merrell Dow pharmaceuticals, and Kauffman served as chairman of the new company. In 1968, Kauffman bought the Kansas City Royals baseball team. He remained the owner of the team until his death. During his ownership, the team won six division titles, two league championships, and the 1985 World Series. Shortly before his death, the Royals Stadium was renamed Kauffman Stadium in his honor.