Clarence Walter Hoffman

Clarence Walter Hoffman, 97, of Lebanon, passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2016 at the Lebanon VA Medical Center. He was the husband of the late Mary E. (Lowry) Hoffman who preceded him in death in 2009. They were married 71 years. Born in Lebanon on December 19, 1918, Clarence was the son of the late Franklin and Emma (Strausser) Hoffman. Like others from the "Greatest Generation," Clarence grew up in the Great Depression. He worked from the age of nine in Angelo Beattie's store on Walnut Street in Lebanon and was forever grateful to Louise Beatty for her kind support during those early years. He was a proud lifelong member of the A.A Beattie Society, which was created to honor all the men from the neighborhood who were in World War II. Clarence proudly served in the 89th Chemical Mortar Battalion, which entered the war at the end of the Battle of the Bulge and was attached to a succession of units to support their assaults and river crossings in the push to defeat Germany. He was with Patton's Army just 15 miles from Berlin at the end of the war. He served his Battalion in many ways, including sharing his gift as an artist when asked to create the 89th Battalion's insignia, which is widely used in patches, logos and in publications that honor the 89th's legacy in World War II. After returning home from the war, Clarence joined Keystone Weaving Mills and worked there for more than 52 years, retiring as foreman of the shipping department. Upon retirement, he put his extra time to good use with regular visits to Cedar Haven to entertain the residents with stories about his beloved hometown. His warmth, wit, and humor were a blessing to all who knew him and those who were lucky enough to bump into him at one of his favorite Lebanon eateries or stores. His zest for life was an inspiration to his family and friends and for all those who knew him from his lifelong affiliations as a member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lebanon, the Lebanon VFW Post 23 and the American Legion Post, Lebanon . He is survived by his son, Richard C Hoffman and his wife Renee of Mt. Gretna; three grandchildren, Mark Hoffman and his wife Belinda of Palmyra; Julie Larison and her husband Dennis of Elizabethtown; and Alicia Johnston of Elizabethtown; seven great grandchildren Isabel Hoffman, Emily Hoffman, Bryce Larison, Conor Larison, Jacob Larison, Brody Johnston, and Brooke Wagner. The family wishes to thank the Lebanon VA Hospice for the wonderful care they give to all their patients. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 pm on Tuesday evening May 10th from Porterfield-Scheid Funeral Directors & Cremation Services, Ltd., 890 Isabel Dr., Lebanon, PA 17042, followed by a short remembrance service conducted by The Reverend Gretchen Ierien, Pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Internment will be at the convenience of the family with full military honors at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Clarence's name can be made to Lebanon VA Hospice, Building 1, 4th Floor, 1700 S. Lincoln Ave. Lebanon, PA.

Clarence Walter Hoffman

May 3, 1919 - May 3, 2016