David E. Hoffman

The life of David Edward Hoffman (76) is reflected in the lyrics of his favorite songwriter, James Taylor, who wrote, “the secret of love is in opening up your heart/it’s okay to feel afraid, but don’t let that stand in your way.” Sharing his heart was a hallmark of David’s extraordinary life, as his family can attest. It can’t help but feel ironic that his greatest strength should also be his greatest weakness; David passed away from congestive heart failure on Saturday, Oct. 5 at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. David was born on April 23, 1948, in Orange, Texas, but moved with his family back to Muskogee shortly after where he remained for the rest of his life—except, that is, for the band years of the late ‘60s/early ‘70s touring all around the US and Canada. His most memorable gigs were with The Red Dogs out of Lawrence, Kansas, and later The Hoffman Brothers with his brother, Lynn Hoffman. One gig always stood out for David. It was in a nightclub downtown Dallas that he fell in love with a cute cocktail waitress named Sue Hill. They were married on Aug. 23, 1970. The couple celebrated their 54th anniversary this past August. Singing was always David’s superpower. He recalls the day in Mr. Yadon’s choral class when his turn came to sing solo in front of everyone. He finished to a silent room. After a few seconds, Yadon said: “That ladies and gentlemen is what you call talent.” He later would earn all-state honors for his rendition of “The Hills Are Alive” by Julie Andrews. In 1966, David was part of the last graduating class of Muskogee’s Central High School. Once David’s first child, Emily, came along, he gave up touring for family life. He took his place in the family business, Hoffman Printing, which had operated in Muskogee since 1907. Although he had always attended church growing up, it was not until the mid- to late- 70s that his relationship with God transformed into something profound in his life, an experience fueled by his father, Francis Hoffman who became an ordained minister. For the rest of his life, David’s relationship with God and faith in Jesus Christ would underpin his entire belief system and way of approaching the world. Although his faith and his family were thriving, by the late 80s, David longed to return to music as a career. He was inspired during a trip to Disney World—his family’s favorite vacation destination—by a 3D movie called “Magic Journeys.” The beautiful storytelling through music and pictures inspired the idea for Magic Journey Video Productions. For almost two decades, David and Sue created videos celebrating significant events in the lives of families all over Muskogee and surrounding areas, many of which earned industry honors for excellence. During the years with Hoffman Printing and Magic Journey Video, David and Sue raised three kids—Emily, Kelly, and Joey. No father ever enjoyed the company of his children more than David did. Their family loved to go on vacations; some of the best involved RV camping and amusement parks. Disney World was their favorite, but they also enjoyed Silver Dollar City, Six Flags, and state and county fairs. Once the kids entered high school, life revolved around high school basketball. After retiring, David spent his time with grandkids every chance he got. When he was not taking them fishing, teaching them about cars, swimming in the backyard, etc., he was traveling to watch their sporting events, dance recitals and band concerts. One of his favorite family traditions was to host OU watch parties where he always made a big pot of chili; while he was a lifelong supporter of OU football, in the last few years it was OU softball that gave him the most enjoyment. But of all his interests and passions, Sue says his love of motorcycles best captured his personality. Although David had owned motorcycles his entire life, owning his first Harley transformed that passion into something greater; when asked why he loved riding so much, he gave an answer like Captain Jack Sparrow when asked about his love for the Black Pearl-- “it’s freedom.” For David, that is what it was. He loved to go on long rides with Sue on the back—he particularly loved the Talimena scenic drive but could tell you all the good riding roads across Oklahoma, Arkansas, and parts of Missouri. For all of these reasons and so many more, David’s memory will be cherished by his loved ones and all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Sue; his children: Emily Hedges and her husband Joe, along with their children—Scout (19), Jack (17) and Davie (16); his son Kelly Hoffman and his wife, Staci, along with their four children—Kelci (26), MaKenna (24), Emma (19) and Jarrett (13); and Joey Hoffman (named for one of David’s best friends, Joey McDaniel) and his wife, Sarah (who works as a hospice nurse at the very hospital where David passed) and their three children—Gabriel (13), Evelyn (12) and Isaac (4). He is also survived by his three siblings—Carol Foreman and her three children Amy Stump, Melody Elliott, and Garrett Michener; Jeanne Scott and her children Lance Scott, Landria Edwards, and Danen Doneske; and Lynn Hoffman and his son Aaron Hoffman. He is preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Carol Hoffman; his parents, Francis and Doris Hoffman, and his in-laws, Albert E. Hill (he went by Eldon) and Benny Gene Hill (she went by Gene, but she always hated that her parents spelled it like a boy. Come to find out, they did it because Gene Tierney spelled it that way.) A celebration of David’s life will take place at Cornerstone Funeral Home on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m. While traditional dress is always appropriate, David was a casual person, so friends and family should feel comfortable coming as they see fit; since it is OU/Texas weekend, a tradition that he loved, gameday apparel is certainly fitting. Thank you for taking the time to celebrate David’s life. It seems appropriate to let James Taylor play him out: Give us a smile Isn’t it a lovely ride? Sliding down, gliding down Try not to try too hard It’s just a lovely ride

David E. Hoffman

April 23, 1948 - October 5, 2024