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Tom Hoffman Obituary
Tom Hoffman
FRANKLIN - Tom Hoffman of Franklin died at the age of 74 at his residence. He was born in Dwight the son of Walter and Harriett Hoffman.
Tom is survived by his wife, Dana Kirk Hoffman; two children, Heather Callahan of Springfield and companion, Billy Draper and David Hoffman, wife, Hillary of Kalamazoo, MI and four grandchildren, Gary and Kayle Callahan and Griffin and Ryan Hoffman.
Tom graduated from Vanderhook School of Music in Chicago in 1960. He spent the next 30 years as a music educator. He was band director at Northwestern High School, Petersburg Porta and Girard School District.
He was a trumpet player who played in dance bands in the area and later had his own dance band. After retirement, Tom remained active in the music community. Tom enjoyed reading, working in his yard and was an avid shuffleboard player and St. Louis Cardinals fan.
The family will host a gathering, to enjoy and celebrate Tom's life, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at VFW Post 1379 in Jacksonville. Memorials are suggested to Cass / Schuyler Area Hospice or VFW Post 1379 in Jacksonville. Williamson Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Tom Hoffman
Linda Ross Kottis
January 24, 2013
My deep sadness is for Mr. Hoffman and his family and all of his students who share in this loss. I had the good fortune to have him as my teacher from 5th grade to 10th grade at Palmyra-Northwestern, his first teaching assignment out of school. He brought our tiny school to a 3rd place finish in the stage band competition at the Illinois State Fair. It's because of him that I still play the Mark VI tenor that he talked the parents of our entire sax section into buying together - which he taught me to play. And it's because of him that I can proudly say I saw Count Basie and his band, and Duke Ellington and his band, and other great jazz bands, many of them at the Eight O'Clock Dance Club in Springfield, which I will never forget. I'm so glad he was into jazz because I suspect that is why I have always been into jazz more than any other type of music. Even now, I still think about him often and give him credit for being the start of all the jazz-related things I do even now.
Dave Pruitt
January 21, 2013
Dana and family - My thoughts & prayers are with you. Tom was a great Band Director, and I will never forget his Peterburg Clown Band years, where I was fortunate to play a trumpet alongside him as a "sub" at the IL State Fair, as well as some other great "gigs". His PORTA H.S. Marching Bands of the late 1970's were incredible for a school district the size of PORTA District #202. As PORTA Band Director from 1980-1990, let me personally tell you, he was a tough act to follow, yet he "handed" me some great young musicians that he had shaped into fine students. Tom has many former students who are still using their music today, years and years later. He taught his musicians to love their music, and continue to play the rest of their lives. Central IL has lost a great music educator, music judge, performer, and band(s) leader.
Denise (Drone) Peters
January 16, 2013
Saddened to hear of his passing. I was able to perform under his direction .. ..Disney World "76 , "77 and the remaining school year . One of the best times of my life . Condolences to all his family ! Denise ( Drone ) Peters
Denise Drone PETERS
January 16, 2013
Saddened to hear of Mr. Hoffman"s Passing. Enjoyed him as a Great band leader. I also enjoyed the honor to be invited to Disney World and march in that parade. He was loved by all. My Condolences to the entire Hoffman Family ......Denise ( Drone ) Peters
Janeen (McKay) Way
January 16, 2013
Mrs. Hoffman and family,
I was deeply saddened to read of Mr. Hoffman's passing. I am a former student of his. He was my band director from 5th grade until I graduated from PORTA High School. He had a huge impact on my life. He inspired in me a life long love of music and a pretty darn good work ethic. I remember being in junior high and being blown away by the high school band (especially when they marched) and before I knew it, I was a part of that. I'll never forget the "glory days", winning competition after competition. We were good because of his passion and dedication. It was truly a magical time. Gone...but never forgotten.
Marla Waldrop-Bennett
January 16, 2013
RIP Mr. Hoffman......he was the band teacher at Girard when I attended there.....sorry for your loss...
Sue and Bob Todd
January 16, 2013
Dana,
Our love, thoughts, and prayers to you and your family. Love you.
Sue and Bob
Barbara Russo
January 16, 2013
Tom was almost revered at PORTA High School during his tenure there. I was President of the Band Parents at that time and thoroughly enjoyed the time we were invited to play at Disneyland and took 100+ students to Florida for 11 days, playing concerts along the way. We enjoyed many championships due to Tom - he had such a bond with his students. He was my good friend and he will be sorely missed by many.
Hal Magee
January 16, 2013
Tom, may your music entertain the Gods! You were the biggest influence in my life, & I will miss you from now on. Your love of music was infectious & you were always willing to take the time to share that with us all.
Greg Brown
January 16, 2013
Mrs. Hoffman,
I find it somewhat odd to address you by that name because to me you will always be Miss Kirk. I also worry that you may check my grammar and spelling.
I read with sadness of Mr. Hoffman passing. I can't say that I knew him well as I was one of those short time band members. I do know how well respected he was among the long term band members, my wife Pam included. He was a very talented guy and left his mark on this world through the gift of music to all of those fortunate students.
I wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and that also how much of a very strong influence you were on me. My love for reading is due to how you brought the literary world to all of us Tallula kids. God Bless!
Sincerely,
Greg Brown
Julie Miller-Riech
January 16, 2013
Mrs. Hoffman, I am saddened to hear of the passing of your husband. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts.
Julie Miller-Riech
January 16, 2013
Mrs. Hoffman, I am saddened to hear of the passing of your husband. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts.
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