WICHITA — Bob L. Hoffman, 93, of Wichita passed away at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, May 10, 2025, at his home. He had been in failing health for several months.
Bob Lee Hoffman was born Aug. 14, 1931, in the rural Coldwater area, the youngest son of Benjamin Franklin Hoffman and Cinderella (Sellers) Hoffman. He grew up and attended school in the Coy Community of Woods County, Oklahoma.
During his high school years, he moved to Coldwater, where he worked in cafes and a dry cleaners. Bob graduated from Coldwater High School in 1950. Bob moved to Wichita to attend the American Business College and Wichita State University, where he studied business.
In 1953, Bob entered the United States Army, served in Germany and became the company clerk. Upon his discharge from the Army in May 1955, he returned to Coldwater.
On Aug. 28, 1955, Bob married Lois Vanderhule at the Assembly of God Church in Coldwater. Following their marriage, Bob and Lois made their home in Wichita, moving into their home on South Gold Street in 1956, and they have lived there since. They would have celebrated their 70th anniversary in August.
Bob worked for the Petroleum Club, where he was promoted to assistant manager. He began his career with the Universal Motor Oil Co. in the early 1960s. Bob served as the credit manager at Universal until his retirement in 1996.
Bob and Lois welcomed the birth of their first son, Dale, who was born on their second anniversary on Aug. 28, 1957. Randall and Marlene were born in 1959 and 1960. Each of them passed away right after their births. As difficult as this time was in their life, God’s plan was in place to allow the adoption of their sons, Marlan, who was born in May 1962, and Kent, who was born in March 1963.
Bob was a committed Christian. He was saved as a child because ladies from the Assembly of God Church in Coldwater came to their rural community to have Sunday school in the afternoons. Following their marriage, Bob and Lois attended Baptist churches in Wichita until late 1962, when they visited the West Side Church of the Nazarene and knew right away that was where they would raise their family.
Over the years at West Side, Bob served on the church board and was board secretary for over 40 years. He was the Kindergarten Church leader for several years and was the Caravan director for many years. He was also active in all West Side music activities.
Bob was an avid gardener and especially loved raising irises. Over the years, he would work in his flower gardens and always kept their home meticulously landscaped. However, his real love was music. Bob played the guitar and sang throughout his life. Southern gospel groups, especially the Happy Goodman Family and Dottie Rambo, were among his favorites. He sang with friends for many years, including the gospel group, The Messengers, which he formed and led for many years. His first love was singing with his sons and later his grandchildren.
Bob and Lois loved traveling and had explored every state, except Hawaii.
Survivors include his wife, Lois, of the home; three sons, Dale Hoffman (Janelle) of Wichita, Marlan Hoffman (Joy) of DeSoto and Kent Hoffman (Melody) of Bel Aire; five grandchildren, Erica Shrout (Nathan), Brad Hoffman (Crystal), Lynn Hoffman (Melissa), Ben Hoffman (Brittney) and Aaron Hoffman; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; eight brothers and sisters; and an infant son and daughter, Randall and Marlene.
The service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 14, at the West Side Church of the Nazarene, 2300 S. Seneca, in Wichita with the Rev. Cecil Brown officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the church. A graveside service will be at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Crown Hill Cemetery at Coldwater.
The family suggests memorials to West Side Church of the Nazarene or Gideon’s International. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS, 67357.
Leave online condolences at www.forbeshoffman.com.
