Leon Earl Hoffman

Leon E. Hoffman, age 87, of Columbus, passed away on July 18, 2015, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. Leon Earl Hoffman, son of Claude and Anna Hoffman, was born on March 23, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan.

At the age of five his family moved to Anderson, Indiana where he graduated from high school. After serving in the army he received his BA and MA degrees from Ball State where he majored in history and geography. As an undergraduate he was inducted into Pi Gamma Mu, Sigma Zeta, and Kappa Delta Pi honor societies. Over his forty-two year teaching career Leon did additional graduate study at Ball State, Indiana University, DePauw, Valparaiso, Hanover, Purdue, and IUPUI.

He taught secondary social studies at Middletown, Noble County, Richmond, Columbus High (1963-72) and Columbus East (1972-92) where he served as the school’s first Social Studies Department chairman. Leon touched the lives of many students through his passion for teaching and earned the respect of students and fellow teaching colleagues. His keen sense of humor enhanced the ability of students to learn and achieve.

Leon was a member of First United Methodist Church. Over the years he participated in many activities. He was MYF sponsor, adult Sunday school teacher, member of the finance committee, chairman of the Board of Missions and longtime participant in the Hot Meals program.

Leon served as First Church’s representative on the Ecumenical Council where as chairman of the educational committee he coordinated several food drives of local schools for Love Chapel. He also served for several years as a driver for the senior citizen center, taking clients to and from medical appointments and food pick-ups.

Leon was a member of BARCONS Credit Union, where he was an executive board member for nine years serving as Chairman of the Board for three years. He was a lifetime member of NEA, member of Indiana Retired Teachers, and member of BARTA where he held the position of retirement advisor.

Leon met Doris Doyle when both were teaching in Richmond. They were married at First Methodist Church in Batesville on June 18, 1955. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Leon was a long suffering Chicago Cubs fan for over 75 years. His two favorite athletes were Ernie Banks and Peyton Manning who combined natural ability with a strong work ethic and who remain role models on and off the field.

While teaching at Columbus High School he helped time swim meets which were held at the Northside pool. At Columbus East he helped time track and cross country meets. Upon his retirement the athletic department presented him with a plaque naming him an Honorary Olympian for his many years of service.

Leon was an avid reader. During his years of teaching he concentrated on history and economics, the two areas he taught. Upon retirement he became more eclectic in reading. Among his favorite novels were Treasure Island, All Quiet on the Western Front, and Look Homeward Angel.

Leon is survived by his wife; three sons, Mark Hoffman of Batesville, David Hoffman of Indianapolis, and John (Lisa) Hoffman of Indianapolis; one daughter, Claire (David) Slone of O’Fallon, Illinois; five grandchildren, Gabriel, Seth, and Claudia Hoffman of Indianapolis, and Ryan and Elise Slone of O’Fallon, Illinois; Leon’s sister, Mary (Robert) Lawson of Flint, Texas; many brothers; and sisters-in-law; nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, Edward and Georgia Doyle; his daughter-in-law, Rhonda Hoffman; and sister-in-law, Helenrose Doyle.

The Hoffman family would like to invite friends and family to attend a celebration of Leon’s life and to share fond memories. Please join the family from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 25th at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 618 Eighth Street in Columbus. Arrangements were entrusted to Myers-Reed Chapel on 25th St.

At Leon’s request, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Love Chapel or the FUMC Hot Meals program. Online condolences may be sent to Leon’s family at www.myers-reed.com.

www.myers-reed.com.