Mr. Richard Allen Hoffman Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Richard A. Hoffman, 87, of St. Louis, MO passed away Wednesday, August 9,2017. Richard was born on May 31, 1930 in St Louis, Mo to Fred and Alice (Kolb) Hoffman. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1948 and Washington University in 1952 with a degree in fine art. He then went on to earn his masters degree graduating magna cum laude. After a stint in the US Army serving honorably in the Korean War, he married his true love Francoise Gigault on AprilS, 1958. In 1960, they moved to Carterville, IL where he began his career in education at the Commercial Art Department at VTI, a division of SIU. There he shared his love of art with not only the students at VTI, but at John A Logan College where he taught adult education classes and at the Marion Penitentiary where he formed lifelong relationships with the inmates, developing their interests for a better life. After teaching he then worked in the graphic arts department at SIU until he retired in 1986. Richard and Francoise then moved back to his beloved city of St. Louis. He led a very active life, not only was he an established artist with many of his artwork on display at multiple museums across Europe and the US, but he also had a-great love of firearms and military history, evidenced by his great knowledge and extensive collection. He was an author and publisher, having many articles published in various publications such as Gun Digest as well as his own publishing company where he co-wrote and co-authored the "Handbook of Military Rifle Marks", of which he beautifully illustrated. He was a lover of antiques and never failed to pass up an antique shop. In addition, he had a passion for classical music and was an established violinist having been a member of the St Louis Symphony for a number of years. Francoise shared his love of music and visitors to their horne were often treated to a concert with Richard on the violin and Francoise on the piano. He received recognition from numerous foundations including the Profession of Graphic Arts Association of Southern Illinois, Outstanding Display of Regimental Beer Steins and a special presentation from the Mayor of St Louis for his support of the Soldier's Memorial. He was a member of numerous organizaticns including the Phi Kappa Phi fraternity of SIU, Rotary Club, Gateway Steiners (St Louis Stein Club) and the NRA. He followed a proud family tradition and became a Mason, holding membership at the Crestwood Anchor Lodge No. 443. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Francoise (Gigault) Hoffman, two daughters and son-in-laws, Roselyne and Lloyd Hester and Stephanie and Tom Wilder, 3 grandchildren Emily and Victoria Ratcliff and Nikki Hester, along with several nieces, nephews and many long time friends. Visitation will be held from 10-11 am followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Valhalla Funeral Chapel, 7600 St. Charles Rock Rd, St. Louis, MO 63133. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, Sappington, MO.

Mr. Richard Allen Hoffman

May 31, 1930 - August 9, 2017