Richard D. Hoffman

Richard Douglas Hoffman, 68, of Greeley, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home July 28, 2017. Rick was born March 2, 1949 in Paola, Kansas to John Shubert Hoffman and Waneta Nadine Hamm Hoffman. He grew up in Paola and started working in the oil fields at age 13 making $1.25 an hour. He worked everyday after school from 4:30 to midnight. After graduating from Paola High School in 1967 he attended Allen County Community College in Iola, Kansas with the dream of becoming a police officer. He graduated in May of 1969. In 1969, he and his first wife, moved to Lineville, Iowa with their two daughters, so he could pursue one of his passions: bull riding. He was hired at the time by Sears Rodeo Company, as both a bull rider and clown. That career ended in early 1970 when he was drafted into the Army to go to Vietnam. He served for two years on the front lines, which had its impact on his well being the remainder of this life. He completed his service with an Honorable Discharge and received numerous awards and medals for his valor and dedication to the protection of the United States of America. He was a true Patriot for which his family and friends are proud. After returning from tour in Vietnam he started a private investigation company in Olathe, Kansas, which he later sold after getting divorced. Around 1974 he moved back to Paola and started making bronze statutes. Between 1976 and 1978 he moved to Greeley, Kansas. He bought a foundry in Greeley and started Hoffman Creative Castings. Shortly after his two brothers moved to Greeley and joined him in the business. Making bronze statutes became more of hobby after he went to work as an Iron Worker. As an Iron Worker, he worked on numerous projects including Hillsdale Lake, a Nuclear Power Plant in Burlington, Kansas and an oil shale facility in Parachute, Colorado. Rick enjoyed spending time with his wife and extended family. He was passionate about staying connected to his Vietnam Veteran platoon mates. He enjoyed visiting the Midwest area Vietnam Memorial events and was passionate about supporting causes benefiting veterans. He had an equal love for animals, especially his beloved cockatiel “Cowboy” of blessed memory. After losing “Cowboy” Rick researched and became enamored with Ayam Cemani (Black Chicken’s) and enjoyed raising them until his passing. As were most things about Rick these chickens are considered the most exotic and rare of all chickens in the world. This was in keeping with the unique and interesting man that Rick was, he had a unique and fascinating disposition and love of the unusual. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Susan Hays. Rick leaves behind his wife, Mary Ann Hoffman of the home; two brothers, J.D. Hoffman and Steve Hoffman of Greeley, two daughters; Marida Cutler and Becky Vaughn and husband Brett; four step-children, Lisa Myers, Jill Noble, Jay Rogers, Dawna Khourdepaz; 13 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren and many friends all of whom will miss him deeply. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made in honor of Rick Hoffman to the Wounded Warrior Project. www.woundedwarriorproject.org To share your memories of Richard or leave a special condolence message for his family, please click the Share A Memory button.