Thomas Allen Hoffman, 86, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 5, 2018 with his children and grandchildren by his side. Daddy was born October 28, 1931 to George David and Genevieve Elizabeth Hoffman in St. Louis, Missouri. Growing up in the shadows of the St. Louis Cardinal Stadium, Dad worked during the Cardinals baseball games selling cokes for admission. He loved the Cardinals and hardly missed a game.
While serving in the Coast Guard, Dad met the love of his life, our mother, Barbara Ann Jacobson. They married on July 24, 1951 in Lucedale, Mississippi then again October 14, 1951 in St. Matthews Church in Mobile, Alabama. Dad was affectionately known as Poppi to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was full of spirit as he shared his love for singing, big band music and his humorous personality.
Their first child, Deborah was born on May 29, 1952 and over the next 13 years, Tom and Barbara had 6 more children, Mike, Becky, Pat, Angie, Matt and Vincent. For the next 25 years, they were very busy raising children. At one point, all seven children were in school while both parents worked. The mornings at the Hoffman house resembled a fire drill on most days but they managed to survive.
Spare time was spent with the family camping, fishing, and floundering at Dauphin Island or Fairhope. Being on the water was Dad and Mom’s favorite time spent together. Any time family visited from Missouri, you could count on a trip to a local beach.
Tom and Barbara have created a wonderful family in their 7 children, spouses, 24 grandchildren and 38 great grandchildren. As part of the Hoffman family, Poppi Tom and Grandma Barbara can be proud of their legacy and memories left behind for many generations to carry on.
