Cover photo for Thomas  William Hoffman's Obituary
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1943 Thomas 2017

Thomas William Hoffman

June 5, 1943 — September 24, 2017

Thomas William Hoffman (Tom), US Air Force, Master Sergeant (Ret), 74, of Ammon, ID passed into the loving hands of our Lord on September 24, 2017 at EIRMC. He was a devoted father, grandfather, brother and faithful friend. Tom was born on June 5th, 1943 in York, PA, where he lived until 1953, when the family relocated to Blackfoot, Idaho. He attended Blackfoot's Central School, Junior and Senior High Schools, graduating in May 1961. He married Linda Jean Perry of Idaho Falls, ID on June 10, 1967. They had a son, Thomas Aaron Hoffman in 1970. Tom proudly gave 20 years of service to his country, enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1962, retiring in 1982 as a Master Sergeant (E7). He served as a Load Master at Clark AFB where he spent 177 days in Vietnam, flying 902 combat sorties over 452 combat flying hours. Tom received numerous commendations including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Medal for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight, and the Vietnam Service Medal. In April 1968, Tom participated in aerial flight drops of needed supplies, his aircraft was hit and severely damaged by antiaircraft fire. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for "heroism while participating in aerial flight on a C-130 aircraft.", and noted for his "selfless devotion to duty" reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. Tom served in multiple capacities over his 20 years of service including Aircrew, Ground Radio Communications, and Wideband Communications. After military retirement Tom served as a Deputy Sherriff in Bonneville County, worked at the INEL as a reactor operator, and owned and operated the Yellowstone Quick Lube. Tom was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Idaho Falls serving as an Elder and Deacon and had a long-term involvement serving the Idaho Falls Food Bank. Tom and Linda loved to travel in their motorhome; spending winters in Texas, Louisiana, and Arizona returning to Idaho for the summers. He loved to fish, read classic sci-fi, and his ham radio. Tom especially loved the Cajun food and music from his travels. In their last years, Tom lovingly cared for Linda through her prolonged illness. In the end he followed his beloved wife into eternity 12 days after her. Tom was preceded in death by his wife Linda Hoffman, father Thomas L. Hoffman, mother Doris Hoffman, and infant brother Lee Stevens Hoffman. Tom is survived by his son T. Aaron Hoffman (Heidi), grandson Isaac Hoffman, sisters Phyllis Hoffman, Carolyn (Gary) Jones, and Evelyn (John) Wilson and cousin Jessica (Dave) Harris. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Idaho Falls at 6:00 p.m. on Monday October 2nd, Pastor Phil Hagen officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Idaho Falls Food Bank, 245 N. Placer Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83402. Arrangements under the direction of Buck Miller Hann Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Idaho Falls, ID.

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When: Monday, October 2nd, 2017
Location: Funeral Home
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