Merle "Herb" Edward Hoffman

Merle "Herb" E. Hoffman, age 90 of Mt. Gilead, died Wednesday, December 20, 2017 surrounded by his loving family at the Bennington Glenn Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was born on June 8, 1927 to the late Walter E. and Mary E. (Lehner) Hoffman. Herb began working for North Electric in 1943, where he would meet his wife Betty M. (Sipe). Taking time away from work to serve his country in the United States Army, Herb later returned to North Electric where he would retire in 1989. After retiring from North Electric, Herb went on to work for Peco II, officially retiring in 2003. He spent his remaining working years working for his son Tim at Hoffman Office Center. Herb was a long-time member of the Mt. Gilead Lions Club, joining the group in 1957. In his time with the Lions Club he earned the Melvin Jones fellowship award in 1994. He joined the Mt. Gilead Fire Department in 1948, was promoted to Lieutenant in 1954 and Assistant Chief in 1959 where he continued until retirement in 2012. Herb was an original member of the Morrow County EMS. In 1982 he retired from the EMS. Herb attended the First Baptist Church in Mt. Gilead. On July 6, 1948 Herb married Betty who preceded him in death on December 5, 2013 after 65 wonderful years of marriage. Herb is survived by his son Tim Hoffman of Mt. Gilead; 3 grandsons, Tyler Hoffman of Mt. Gilead, Josh (Mackenzie) Cox of Mt. Gilead and Caleb (Brenna) Cox of Mt. Gilead; two brothers: Lloyd (Nancy) Hoffman of Caledonia and Walter (Katherine) Hoffman of Marion; numerous nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog "Honey". In addition to his parents and wife, Herb was proceeded in death by two brothers; Paul and Kenneth Hoffman; and four sisters; Lavilla Hoffman, Helen Hoffman, Bernice Hart and Betty June. Friends may call on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Gompf Funeral Home, 440 Center Street in Cardington. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at the funeral home at 10:30 am with Pastor Steve Bloomfield officiating. Following the service, burial with full military honors will take place in the Rivercliff Cemetery. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider the Mount Gilead Fire Department; 72 W High St, Mt Gilead, OH 43338. Or the Mount Gilead Lions Club; 5833 Co. Rd. 9 Edison OH 43320. Those wishing to share a memory of Herb or to express a condolence to the Hoffman family may do so by visiting www.gompffh.com.