Glenn Frank Hoffman

Lieutenant Colonel Glenn F. Hoffman, USA (Ret.), age 92, passed peacefully into the arms of his Heavenly Father on April 10, 2025.

Born on November 13, 1932, on the Hoffman family's flower and produce farm near Somerset, Texas, Glenn was the youngest son of Frank Herman and Effie May (Chapman) Hoffman. He grew up surrounded by the vibrant beauty of cut flowers, the discipline of farm life, and the tight-knit bonds of family.

A standout athlete at Somerset High School, Glenn's competitive spirit shone both on the field and in the arena. He broke the state Class B record in pole vaulting, earned South Texas All-Star honors in football and baseball, and carried that drive to Victoria College, where he lettered in track and football and took top honors in livestock judging-all while majoring in agriculture.

But the true prize of Glenn's college years was meeting Dera Lillian Hanson of Cuero, Texas. Surprisingly, it was Lillian who asked Glenn out on their first date-a student-organized 'Sadie Hawkins Day' hot dog roast on the banks of the Guadalupe River-marking the beginning of a love story that would span more than 71 years. They married on August 29, 1953, at First Baptist Church in Cuero and soon began a life of service, adventure, and unwavering partnership. Throughout their years together, Lillian was the anchor of their home-handling and caring for their children, managing their home, and supporting Glenn through every interest and pursuit. Glenn deeply appreciated Lillian's love, devotion, and the way she made their life together a true partnership, always standing by his side with steadfast support.

After completing his degree in 1955 at the University of Texas at Austin-where he was the university's #1 pole vaulter and was named a Distinguished Military Graduate through ROTC-Glenn began a 28-year career in the U.S. Army. He would go on to complete Airborne and Ranger training, become a helicopter pilot, and command aviation units across the globe, including the 246th and 661st Maintenance Companies in Germany, and the 240th Assault Helicopter Company-'The Greyhounds' and 'The Mad Dogs'-in Vietnam.

As commander during the Vietnam War, Glenn led with courage, compassion, and deep faith. He often prayed with his men before missions and spoke with lasting admiration for the bravery of his flight crews, door gunners, and soldiers. His leadership was marked by a genuine concern for those under his command, earning the respect and gratitude of both soldiers and fellow officers. Many later reached out to express their admiration for his unwavering support and selflessness, considering him not only a mentor but also a lifelong friend. Glenn's service earned him numerous commendations, including the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 26 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Master Army Aviator Wings, the Ranger Tab, and the Parachute Badge.

Throughout his career, Glenn served with humility and pride, taking on roles of great honor such as Site Control Officer during the state funerals of Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and Harry S. Truman. His final military post brought him home to Texas, where he served as Deputy Commandant of the Defense Language Institute English Language Center at Lackland AFB, proudly representing the United States to foreign officers from over 50 countries.

Upon retiring from the Army in 1983, Glenn and Lillian embraced a new chapter by founding Honeybranch Farm near Lytle, Texas. For 19 years, they grew strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and green beans, participated in the Poteet Strawberry Festival, and even helped develop H-E-B's famous 'Poteet Strawberry Ice Cream.' Farming was more than work-it was joy, purpose, and another fulfilling chapter in their lives.

In later years, Glenn embraced the pleasures of retirement-cheering on his beloved Spurs, Cowboys, Longhorns, and, more recently, the Kansas City Chiefs. He was endlessly proud of his children and took great joy in everything they accomplished. Nothing brought him more happiness than spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Glenn especially enjoyed long conversations with family and friends, always cherishing those moments that included a well-timed joke, and finding true joy in simply being surrounded by the people he loved.

Known for his deep faith, steadfast service, and infectious humor, Glenn touched countless lives. He never met a stranger and never forgot a name. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend.

Glenn was preceded in death by their infant children Mary Beth and John Paul, his parents, his sisters Kathryn Hoffman Hicks Fialka (and husbands Carl and Arnold), and Helen Ruth Hoffman Baxter (and husband David), and his brothers Herman Hoffman (and wife Joyce), Kenneth Hoffman (and wives Norma Dean and Ora Lea), and Adolph Hoffman (and wife Patsy).

He is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Lillian Hoffman; their daughters, Annette E. Hoffman McCaughtry and her husband Bob, and Glenda S. Hoffman; their son, David G. Hoffman and his wife Sandra; grandsons, Jason Hoffman and his wife Lupe, and Ashton Hoffman and his wife Megan; and great-grandsons, Jackson and Matthew. He leaves behind countless extended family members, friends, fellow veterans, and church companions who cherished his warmth, integrity, and ever-present humor.

In honor of Glenn's military service, a ceremony with full honors will be held at the assembly area of Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, at 11:00 a.m. on May 5th, 2025. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express their sympathy may make donations in Glenn F. Hoffman's memory to the Fellowship of San Antonio, 23755 Canyon Golf Rd, San Antonio, TX 78258-4926 (www.thefellowshipofsa.org), or to Indigenous Ministries, 15455 Gleneagle Dr. Ste 130, Colorado Springs, CO 80921 (www.indigenousministries.org).