Charles Hoffman

Charles Richard Hoffman peacefully went to his eternal resting place on Tuesday, January 13th, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas, at the age of 86.

Charles was born on December 30, 1939, in Concho County, Texas, to Fred and Louise Hoffman. He was one of seven children, all born and raised on farms and ranches near Paint Rock, Texas. Born near the end of the Great Depression, Charles learned the value of hard work at a very young age. As the second-oldest son, responsibility came early and often.

His introduction to farming and ranching was learned the hard way when, as a young boy, he caught his right index finger in a combine. Unsure at first whether to make the long trip to the hospital, his parents ultimately did, and the finger was sewn up. True to her practical nature, his mother hid the finger in her purse to prevent an imperfect reattachment and later returned to the field and buried it. That story became one of many that reflected both the toughness of the times and the resilience Charles carried throughout his life.

Charles worked alongside his father on the ranch, tending sheep, preparing fields for wheat and cotton, and doing whatever else needed to be done. He attended school in Paint Rock, leaving prior to graduation because the family business of farming and ranching took priority. Work was not just a necessity for Charles—it was his way of life.

Charles married Linda Sutton of Eden, Texas, at a very young age. Together, they raised four children. He lovingly took in Billy Dewayne, Linda’s son from a previous marriage, and raised him as his own, alongside their three daughters: Paula, Karla, and Darlina. Family was central to Charles’s life, and he took great pride in providing for those he loved. Charles and Linda parted ways in 1978 and divorced.

After the passing of his father, Charles left Paint Rock and moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where he began a new chapter working in the construction industry as an excavator. Known for his strength, determination, reliability, and quality of work, he earned the respect of those who worked alongside him.

Charles met the love of his life on a Monday night after work at Annie Golightly’s in Fort Worth. There, he finally spoke with Debra McMichael, whom he had previously noticed while working at a construction site next to her building in downtown Fort Worth. That summer it was over 100 degrees for almost 70 days. It did not take long for the two to fall deeply in love, and they were married in 1980. Together, they welcomed a son, John, and Debra lovingly embraced Charles’s daughters from his previous marriage as her own.

Debra remained faithfully by Charles’s side for 45 years until the very end of his life. They were truly inseparable—like peanut butter and jelly—and their love was evident to all who knew them.

Charles, known to everyone as Charlie, treasured time spent with Debra. He especially loved crappie fishing alongside her, and together they enjoyed the peace and simplicity of their small farm in Clifton, Texas, and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Those were some of his happiest years.

Family always came first for Charlie. No matter the situation or challenge, he was steady, thoughtful, and often the voice of reason. His wisdom, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to those he loved defined the man he was.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Louise Hoffman; his brothers Wayne Hoffman and Hansel Hoffman; his sister Marie Hoffman; his nephew Tony Kunkel; and his brother-in-law Mel Delano.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Debra Hoffman; his children: son John Hoffman and wife Casey Hoffman, and grandsons Henry and Lincoln Hoffman; daughter Darlina Barone and spouse Gino Barone, and grandchildren Bella Barone, Sophia Brown, and Layla Brown; daughter Karla Sparks and husband Kevin Sparks, and grandchildren Dillon Bradford, Dalton Sparks, and Devin Sparks; daughter Paula Fraysier and husband Alan Fraysier, and grandchild Cassie Smith; and stepson Billy Dewayne Martin and wife Nell Martin, and grandchildren Melissa Herrington and Cody Martin. Brothers Troy and Howard and wife Glenda Hoffman, sister Joann Mika, sister-in-law Barbara Hoffman, sister-in-law Rowena Delano, sister-in-law Donnell Wesley, and nieces and nephews from all six of his siblings, along with twelve great-grandchildren.

Charles was blessed with 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Children were naturally drawn to him, and he loved them all dearly. While every child held a special place in his heart, his greatest joy came from his own children and grandchildren, whom he loved fiercely and without condition.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Market at the Mill, 317 West 3rd Street, Clifton, Texas, 76634, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.