Howard Hoffman

Howard John Lewis Hoffman, age 83, of Columbia, formerly of Jefferson City, passed away Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012, at The Neighborhoods by Tiger Place. Howard was born July 29, 1928 in Wellington, son of Oscar and Edna Hoffman. Howard married Elmira Kronshage on October 10, 1946, and lived on a farm in Bates City until moving to Columbia in 1955 when he began his career with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Colonel Howard Hoffman (retired) was appointed to the Missouri State Highway Patrol on September 18th, 1955. Colonel Hoffman worked in Columbia, Jefferson City and Springfield during his career as well as receiving special training at the FBI National Academy. He was promoted through the ranks of the patrol, eventually returning to Jefferson City, where he was named superintendent of the Highway Patrol in 1982. Colonel Hoffman was known and respected nationally and internationally for his efforts to promote safety and security for the people he served. He was instrumental in establishing drug and alcohol education programs and strived to advance technology to better the patrol for the future. Howard retired from the Missouri State Highway Patrol in 1988. During his retirement he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at his cabin at the Lake of the Ozarks. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and early morning coffee with friends. Later in his retirement he volunteered at Capital Region Medical Center. Howard and Elmira moved to The Terrace in December 2010 where they made many new friends and,"Did I mention the food?" Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Elmira, on October 19, 2011 after 65 years of marriage. Howard and Elmira were blessed with three children: Jim (Sharon) Hoffman of Columbia, Janelle (Lowell) Patterson of Columbia, and John (Christina ) Hoffman of Austin, Texas; and three beloved grandchildren, Sarah Hoffman of Columbia, Ellen and Thomas Hoffman of Austin, Texas. In addition, Howard is survived by two sisters: Loydine Kranz of Kansas City, and Carol Braksick of Portage, Mich.; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. He is joining his wife, Elmira; his parents; and sister, Marilyn Haase, in Heaven. Visitation will be at St. Paul Church in Napoleon from 11:00 to 2:00, Wednesday, April 11. Funeral services will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to St. Paul Church, 205 Hill St., Napoleon, MO 64074; or to the charity of one's choice, in care of Kolkmeyer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 315, Wellington, MO 64097.