Dr. Paul Willis Hoffman, McPherson
Paul W. Hoffman Obituary 2022 - Stockham Funeral Home (stockhamfamily.com)
May 14, 1932 - September 30, 2022
Dr. Paul Willis Hoffman, 90, of McPherson, KS, passed away in the early morning hours of September 30, 2022. Paul was born on May 14, 1932, to Ralph and Tressie (Heeter) Hoffman and grew up at the family farm near Roann, IN.
Paul met his future wife, Joanna Begerow, during a youth event in Florida. While in college, Paul and Joan fell in love and were married on April 11, 1954. Together, they raised their four children, Deborah, Daniel, John, and James.
Paul obtained degrees from Gilead HS, Manchester College (BS), Bethany Seminary (MDiv), University of Michigan (MA), and Purdue University (PhD).
He spent his entire life in service and was known as a pastor, educator, administrator, philosopher, theologian, counselor, pilot, farmer, athlete, and coach. Paul was loved and respected by many. His priorities were family relationships, service to others, giving to causes, and forgiving.
Paul served as a pastor for the Church of the Brethren before returning to Manchester College (now University) as a Dean of Students for 14 years. In 1976, he moved his family to Kansas to become the president at McPherson College. He was passionate about his work at McPherson College and spent 20 years serving as the president, retiring in 1996.
Paul is survived by his wife Joanna Begerow Hoffman of McPherson; son-in-law John Wagoner of McPherson; son Dan and Dawn (Robbins) Hoffman of McPherson; son John and Sandra (Sharp) Hoffman of McPherson; son Jim and Lisa (Lee) Hoffman of McPherson; a sister, Elizabeth Bauer of North Manchester, IN; 12 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
Paul was preceded in death by daughter Deb Wagoner; grandson Samuel Dean Hoffman; great-granddaughter Ophelia (Hoffman) Santillan; brother John Hoffman; and sister Miriam Bunnel.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, October 7, 2022, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 8, at McPherson Church of the Brethren with Rev. Chris Whitacre and Rev. Kathryn Whitacre officiating. The final resting place will be at the Monitor Cemetery.
Casual/comfortable dress is appropriate attire for the service.
Memorials can be given to the Joanna and Paul Hoffman Scholarship Fund at McPherson College in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.
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