Henry William "Bud" Hoffer III

1940 - 2024

Henry William "Bud" Hoffer III

August 10, 1940 - January 24, 2024

Fort Worth , Texas - In loving memory of Henry William "Bud" Hoffer III

Henry William "Bud" Hoffer, lll, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 24, 2024.

Bud was born in Corsicana, Texas on August 10, 1940 to Vera and Henry William Hoffer Jr. Growing up in the tiny farming community of Kerens, Texas (pop 1544) Bud formed many of his endearing values which stayed with him throughout his life.

Bud had 27 in his small graduating Kerens High School class of 1958. Though Bud's leap to Baylor University was a large one, succeed he did, earning a BS in Chemistry, initially aiming to study dentistry like his father and grandfather. Bud also earned a Masters in Liberal Arts from Texas Christian University.

After graduation from Baylor he became an officer in the Navy. He was given the option to go to Vietnam or teach chemistry to Naval recruits in Indiana - he chose the latter. Bud served in active duty for over 3 years eventually rising to the rank of Commander. He remained in the Naval reserve for 21 years.

A trip to Austin in 1968 to visit his older sister Mary Lary, led Bud to a blind date with a beautiful graduate student, named Linda Ann Clay. That first Valentine date to the Officer's Club was the beginning of a blessed lifelong journey for Bud and Linda.

He proposed on the 4th of July and they were married November 15, 1968 at University Christian Church in Fort Worth Texas, a blessed union which lasted over 55 years until his death.

Bud and Linda settled in Fort Worth in 1969 and he began his new career in sales with Mead Johnson Nutritionals. His favorite son Tyson Clay was first born in 1972 and his favorite daughter Allison Leigh arrived soon after in 1974.

Throughout his 37 year career with Mead Johnson, Bud formed close friendships with numerous pediatricians in his territory. Always smiling, ready with a joke (sometimes inappropriate), he endeared himself to all the doctors, nurses and offices he called on.

Upon his retirement in 2002, Bud was presented the highest honor bestowed by Mead Johnson, the "Legend Award". An award less than 1% of all sales reps ever receive. And that's how Bud earned one of his nicknames "The Legend".

The Hoffer home was often the gathering place for Ty and Allison's friends. He never missed their sporting events, dances, award ceremonies plus staying a hard working, hands on dad. And Bud always kept up with all the gossip amongst their friends.

Linda kept the fridge full while their pool overflowed with friends. Allison's sleepovers were high octane events. Ty's high school band "Change of Standard" practiced at their house for years with Bud's blessing. The neighbors were thrilled when Ty graduated.

The Hoffer house was always filled with pets. Bud had a soft spot for his precious dogs throughout his life. He remembered all of them fondly. Gretchen, Bretta, Tiger, Fluffy and finally his beloved Hagen during his golden years.

Bud's happy place was his family farm back in Kerens. There he taught both Ty and Allison how to drive plus numerous kids how to fish. Bud was an exceptional fisherman soon garnering another nickname the "The Ol' Pro".

Bud had five grandchildren: Hattie Ann (19), Sadie Grace (16), Olivia Greer (14), Tessa Leigh (12) Tanner Cass (11). All the grandkids especially loved gatherings at the farm. They loved their family vacations and spending holidays there and will forever cherish those memories.

Bud was an active member of University Christian Church for 55 years. He served as an usher, participated for many years in the annual Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival. Most importantly Bud formed a lasting and loving relationship with Jesus Christ, his Savior which he passed on to others.

Bud loved so many things and packed them all into his life…his loyal wife Linda, his family, precious grandkids, countless friends, sweets (especially pecan pies), the Rangers, Cowboys, TCU, Baylor, Phi Delt, his kids' friends, a glass of milk and a half of banana before bed, peacock calls, sunsets, fishing for large bass and his many pets. Per Bud's wishes, his beloved dog Hagen's ashes are actually at rest with him.

Bud is survived by his wife Linda and their children Ty and wife Christine, his daughter Allison and his five grandchildren.

Visitation on Wednesday, January 31 at 6-8 pm at Greenwood Funeral Home

Full Military Burial on Thursday, Feb 1 at 2 pm at Greenwood Cemetery

Celebration of Bud's life will be Friday, February 2 at 2 pm at University Christian Church with a reception immediately following for family and friends at Ridglea Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to University Christian Church in Fort Worth, Texas, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or a charity of your choice.