Melvin Hoffman

Melvin E. Hoffman, 89, of Cape Girardeau, formerly of Jackson, passed away Saturday, April 23, 2016, at the Lutheran Home.

He was born March 7, 1927, in New Wells to William T. and Elenora Perr Hoffman. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells. He and Gladys Irene Scholl were married Dec. 7, 1947.

Melvin was inducted into the U.S. Army on July 2, 1945. He served with the Army Ground Forces in the European Theatre of Operations and was later stationed in Berlin serving as an interpreter. He was honorably discharged Jan. 2, 1947.

He was a job foreman many years for Penzel Construction Co. in Jackson.

Melvin and Gladys have been longtime members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson, where Melvin was a former trustee, active in the Men's Club and participated in the Dartball League. His other affiliations include Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158 in Jackson, where he always assisted in assembling the stage at Jackson Homecomers; previously participated in Men's slow-pitch softball; Farm Bureau; and TPA. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, raising cattle and was an avid Cardinal baseball fan.

Loving survivors include his wife of 68 years, Gladys; four children, David (Connie) Hoffman of St. Louis, Kerry (Linda) Hoffman of Columbia, Missouri, Diane Thorne of Jackson and Bruce Hoffman of Nashville, Tennessee; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; a brother, Milton (Fern) Hoffman; and a sister, Alida Goodpasture of Cape Girardeau.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Helen Petzoldt; a son-in-law, Orval Thorne; and a grandchild, Jaimi Hoffman.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. An American Legion Service will be conducted at 7 p.m.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Joshua Schmidt officiating. Interment will be in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson with full military honors.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to St. Paul Lutheran Church Radio Broadcast or St. Paul Lutheran Church Men's Club.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.