Bob L. Hoffman

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 August 14, 1931, in the rural Coldwater, Kansas, 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 the Wichita State University where he studied business.
In 1953, Bob entered the United States Army where he served in Germany and became the Company Clerk. Upon his discharge from the Army in May of 1955, he returned to Coldwater.
On August 28, 1955, Bob was united in marriage to 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 where they have lived since then. They would have celebrated their 70th anniversary in August of 2025.
Bob worked for the Petroleum Club where he was promoted to Assistant Manager until beginning his career with the Universal Motor Oil Company in the early 1960s. Bob served as the credit manager at Universal until his retirement in 1996.
Bob and Lois welcomed the birth of the first son, Dale, who was born on their second anniversary on August 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 of 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 in 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 iris. 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, Kansas
Marlan Hoffman (Joy) of DeSoto, Kansas
Kent Hoffman (Melody) of Bel Aire, Kansas
Five grandchildren – Erica Shrout (Nathan), Brad Hoffman (Crystal), Lynn Hoffman (Melissa), Ben Hoffman (Brittney), and Aaron Hoffman
14 Great-grandchildren
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.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the West Side Church of the Nazarene, 2300 S. Seneca in Wichita, Kansas, with the Rev. Cecil Brown officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at the church. Graveside services will be held at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, at the Crown Hill Cemetery at Coldwater, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested 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.