Jerry Hofman's Obituary
Jerry Lee Hofman, son of Roma Lee and Betty Jean Davis Hofman, was born May 22, 1955, in Wichita, Kansas. He departed this life Wednesday, March 16, 2011, in Barnes Jewish Hospital, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of fifty-five years, nine months, and twenty-four days.
On December 29, 1973, he married his childhood sweetheart, Karen S. Long, and to this union two daughters were born.
He was preceded in death by his father; a grandson, Billy Christopher Mustard; and his father-in-law, Billy Long.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife of thirty-seven years, Karen, of the home; two daughters, Kara Johnson, and her husband, Greg, of Phillipsburg, Missouri, and Kelli Mustard, and her husband, Chris, of Lebanon, Missouri; a grandson, Ethan Mustard, of Lebanon, Missouri; his mother, Betty Hofman, of Lebanon, Missouri; two sisters, Bev Miller, and her husband, Jack, of Lebanon, Missouri, and Barbara Rogers, of Nixa, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; his mother-in-law, Patty Long, of Lebanon, Missouri; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends.
He was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, and then moved with his family to Lebanon, Missouri, when he was in third grade. He lettered in football and baseball during his high school years, and graduated from Lebanon High School in the Class of 1972. He then attended the University of Missouri at Rolla, now known as Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he also played football and baseball, and earned a degree in petroleum engineering. He worked as a petroleum engineer in Wyoming, Colorado, and Oklahoma from 1977 until 1989. The family then returned to Lebanon, Missouri, where Jerry began working in partnership with Bob Shotts, before being hired as an engineer at Durham Company, where he worked for the last several years.
Jerry had made his profession of faith in Christ and was an active member of Phillipsburg Christian Church, where he served as an Elder.
He was a huge fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and enjoyed going to their games. He worked very hard to get an autographed picture of Albert Pujols for his grandson, Ethan. He also liked playing golf. He treasured time spent with his close knit family, and Ethan was his pride and joy. He especially loved Christmas and always made sure that each holiday and special event was celebrated by the family.
He was a very organized man that lived his life very meticulously. He maintained a positive outlook and was slow to ever say anything negative. He gallantly fought his illness and was able to extend what the doctors indicated could be his last four months, into two and one-half very special years.
Jerry was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and know that he will be fondly remembered as a devoted family man, a dedicated worker, and a man of deep Christian faith. He loved life and will be greatly missed.
What’s your fondest memory of Jerry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jerry?
Share a story where Jerry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jerry you’ll never forget.
How did Jerry make you smile?