William Hoffman III, age 78, passed away Friday, June 30, 2023, after battling chronic illness. Bill was born in Oakridge, TN on January 17, 1945 to parents William and Della (Scowden) Hoffman. The family moved to Oswego, KS when he was 6 months old, and Bill attended Oswego schools until he graduated high school in 1963. On March 2, 1965, Bill married Mary Jacobs in Oswego, KS. They were married for 58 years and raised 3 children together. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather to a family that he loved unconditionally and served unselfishly.
Bill's education and work ethic guided him through a variety of careers throughout his life. He grew up working for his father, Uncle Leo and Aunt Leota at Farmer's IGA learning to cut meat. While in college, he worked at the meat market and for Frito Construction in Pittsburg, KS. Bill received an associate degree from Labette County Community College, and graduated from Pittsburg State University in 1968. Following graduation from PSU, he pursued a degree in Medical Laboratory Technology at St. John's Hospital in Joplin, MO. As an MLT, he worked at St. John's, Freeman, and Oak Hill hospitals during his time in Joplin. He left his work in the lab to become a sales representative for a laboratory supply company.
In 1978, he left his original career path and moved back to Oswego to help operate the family dairy farm owned by Mary's parents. After 15 years on the dairy, he left the farm to own and operate Hoffman Lumber. He later became the maintenance man for West Side Homes until he retired. He always said he enjoyed every job he had.
Bill's Christ-like love for others led him to become a great friend and father-figure to many in the community. He became a member of Oswego First Baptist Church in 1978 and served faithfully until his death. He loved his church family dearly. He was a deacon for 40 years, taught an adult Sunday School class, and served on numerous committees throughout the years. For over 10 years, he and Mary led the youth group and touched many lives through their ministry. He also served on the USD 504 School Board for 8 years.
Bill is survived by his wife Mary; 2 daughters Diane (Philip) Cunningham of Weir, KS, and Christina (Brian) Smith of Wellington, KS; 7 grandchildren, Kale (Chelsea) Cunningham of Webb City, MO, Riley (Jill) Cunningham of Webb City, MO, Bryce Smith (Laura Seeber) of Manhattan, KS, Miranda (Joshua) Belt of Wellington, KS, Brayden (Ashley) Smith of Hays, KS, Cy Smith of Manhattan, KS, and Mercy Smith of Wellington, KS; 2 great-grandsons Colton and Aiden Cunningham, two great-granddaughters Ella Smith and Valerie Belt; sister Mary Hoffman of Kansas City, MO; brothers-in-law Bill Jacobs of Oswego, KS and Johnny A. Jacobs of Parsons, KS, and many more extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister Leota Mae, parents-in-law John and Dorothy Jacobs, son Terry Hoffman, and infant granddaughter Hope Smith.
A Memorial service will be at 10:30 am, Friday, July 7, 2023 at First Baptist Church, Oswego, KS. Pastor Jim Irwin will officiate. Service arrangements are through Derfelt Funeral Home, Oswego, KS.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, Oswego, KS.
