Charles Hoffman

Charles Willis Hoffman, 99, formerly of Columbus, Ohio and most currently of Ostrander, Ohio passed away Tuesday night, June 24, 2025, at his residence.

Charles, or Chuck as he was known by his friends, was born on October 24, 1925, in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Charles and Catherine Hoffman.

Shortly after turning 18, in January of 1944, Chuck was called to serve and to fight in the Second World War. Charles was enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country honorably on the naval destroyer USS Walke DD723. His ship participated in many combat operations including bombarding the beach at Normandy on D-Day then moving on to the Pacific theatre where he participated in battles which included Okinawa, the Philippines, Leyte, and Luzon where his ship was hit by a kamikaze. He was also present at the signing of the Peace Treaty in Tokyo Bay.

On January 1 8, 1948, two years after returning home from active duty, Chuck was involved in a serious car accident which resulted in extensive frostbite. His recovery included a year-long hospital stay at Grant Hospital and over 35 operations.

Chuck married the love of his life, Reba Hoffman, in 1951.

During his 99 years, Chuck has enjoyed many career paths. He began as a silk-screen printer for Activad Sign Company in Columbus. In addition, he, in partnership with his wife, Reba, his brother, Holly Hoffman, and sister-in-law, Jean Hoffman owned Hoffman Flowers located on Cleveland Avenue for years. He also particularly enjoyed co-owning The Clock Restaurant in downtown Columbus.

In his spare time, Chuck enjoyed collecting coins and antiques. This hobby led to Chuck attending many auctions and estate sales over the years. He also loved fishing, and in the past, he enjoyed roller skating and bowling.

Chuck was a generous and caring man and would help anyone with anything. This along with his fighting spirit led to him making a positive impact on so many people during his life.

Words like “generous”, “kind”, “loving”, and “stubborn” only scratch the surface of who Chuck was. He will be deeply missed.

Left to cherish Chuck’s memory include his two daughters Vicki (Jack) Thrush and Susan (Richard) Hoffman; sons David (Lori) Hoffman and Daniel Hoffman; 7 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Chuck is preceded in death by his loving wife Reba Hoffman; sister, Ina May; brother Harry Lawrence Detwiler; and brother Holly Hoffman.

Snyder Rodman Funeral Center is honored to serve the Hoffman family in their time of need.