James Lawrence Hoffman, known to all as Larry, of St. Clair, MO, departed this life at his home, surrounded by the love of his family, on February 19, 2017, having reached the age of seventy-eight years, four months and sixteen days.
Larry was born in Lonedell, MO, on October 3, 1938, son of Oscar Charles Hoffman and Nora Laverne Hoffman nee McDermott. On November 7, 1959, he was united in marriage to Peggy Jo Stahlman and two sons came to bless this union.
Larry is survived by his wife, Peggy Hoffman of St. Clair, MO; by his sons, Mark Hoffman and wife, Debbie, of St. Clair and Mike Hoffman and life companion, Angie, of Sullivan, MO; by four grandchildren, Cassandra Hoffman of St. Clair and Logan, Lauren and Landon Hoffman of Sullivan, MO; by two brothers, Gilbert Hoffman, known to most as Gib, of St. Clair and Howard Hoffman and wife, Linda, of St. Clair; by one sister, Ruth Ann Schaffart of Kewadin, MI; by brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Nora Hoffman; by two brothers, Leroy and Ronald Hoffman, and by one sister, Marge Hoffman.
Larry was a Christian and life long member of St. Clare Catholic Church in St. Clair, MO. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Leo John Steck Council 4667. He was proud to have served his country in the United States Army, enlisting in the Army National Guard on February 19, 1961 and receiving his honorable discharge on November 20, 1966. Throughout most of his working years, Larry worked as a driller for Pea Ridge Mine, later known as Meramec Mining Company near Sullivan, MO. In later years, he was employed as a sheet metal journeyman for Custom Guttering Inc. in St. Clair, MO, and was a member of Sheet Metal Workers, Local 36. Larry was passionate about old cars and was proud of his 1956 Ford Victoria he had restored. He enjoyed being a member of the Route 66 Car Club and helping his sons restore cars. Although Larry had other hobbies and interests, nothing was more important to him than the time he spent with his family.He rarely missed his grandchildren’s games or other school activities and loved sitting in the side lines cheering them on. His children and grandchildren were truly his pride and joy and he cherished the time they spent together.
Visitation was held from 2-8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO, with parish prayer services at 7:30 p.m. led by Father Bob Knight. Funeral mass was held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, at St. Clare Catholic Church in St. Clair, MO, with Father Joe Post officiating. Interment was in Midlawn Memorial Gardens, Union, MO. In lieu of flowers, masses or memorials to Alternative Hospice may be made.