Ernest Hoffman

He is survived by his wife of 65 years Mary Ann (nee Waits), daughters DeAnna McCollough and husband Craig of Houston, Melissa Cooper and husband Stewart of League City, grandchildren Nicole McCollough LeBleu and husband Jon, Michelle McCollough, Matthew McCollough and wife Rory McCloy, David Cooper and wife Meagan, Chris Cooper and wife Ruth, and Sarah Cooper, great grandchildren Piper, Rush and Jude LeBleu, Linc Cooper and Henry and Smith Cooper, and sister Ferne Kelley. Ernie’s brother Harold passed on January 29, 2023, about 6 months after his death. His wife Mary Ann has since passed away, nearly a year to the date of his passing.

Ernest attended Wharton County Junior College and the University of Texas and received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Education from Texas State University/San Marcos. He spent 46 years in education as a math teacher, administrator, and coach in San Antonio, Houston, Blanco County, and Smithson Valley.

His love of athletics was fulfilled through participation in all sports in high school and eventually college baseball at Wharton County Junior College and Texas State University. His brief coaching career includes stints in baseball and baseball, and his McCollum golf team won a district championship. He further worked as a basketball, baseball, and volleyball official for 25 years. As a dedicated runner in midlife, he participated in 30 consecutive Capitol 10K events in Austin, Texas. Throughout his life, he never outgrew being an avid fan of all athletics, high school, college, professional, with a particular pride in the Houston Astros, Houston Texans, and most of all, the San Antonio Spurs.

As a dedicated Christian, he served several churches in leadership rolls over the years, first at Harlandale Presbyterian as Deacon, Ruling Elder, Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher, MYF sponsor, softball and basketball coach, and camp counselor. Later at Blanco United Methodist, in addition to serving 2 terms as Chair of the Administrative Council, Lay Leader, and teaching adult Sunday School, Ernest developed an interest in mission work, making trips to Eagle Pass, Mexico, and New Mexico, in addition to many local mission activities. Membership in First United Methodist Church of New Braunfels provided an opportunity to minister to the homeless through the Family Promise program where he was regularly an overnight host. He additionally served terms on the Administrative Council and Finance Committee at FUMCNB.

At the United Methodist Church Conference level, he served a term on the Council on Higher Education and Campus Ministry, along with being Co-Dean with wife Mary Ann of the Senior Christian Retreat for 4 years.

His religious life was impacted in a major way from participation in the Walk to Emmaus, after which he became active in the Solid Rock Emmaus Community of Blanco County. He worked numerous Walks, sponsored many others on their Walk, served the Solid Rock in a variety of ways including Lay Director, and fulfilled a term on the Conference Emmaus Board.

Following retirement, he was the first President of the Blanco County Association of Retired Educators and later was Secretary of the New Braunfels Retired Teachers Association and District XIII Secretary. He also enjoyed 9-pin bowling at Spring Branch and served a term on their Board of Directors.

Despite being forced to deal with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and peripheral neuropathy, Ernest continued to stay busy throughout his life, teaching GED community classes with Seguin ISD and the Texas Department of Corrections. He especially enjoyed his time as a part time Associate at Zoeller Funeral Home in New Braunfels.

His chosen profession, his wife and family were a source of much pleasure and satisfaction throughout his life. As a sports-minded family throughout, they shared many events both participating as a family in numerous Capital 10K runs. Each grandchild could always count on

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkEast-FHC.com for the Hoffman family.