Charles H

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS -- Charles Hoffman, a "musician's musician," departed this life on Wednesday, July 18, 2012.

Memorial service: 11 a.m. Tuesday at Broadway Baptist Church, 305 W. Broadway, Fort Worth. Visitation: On Monday, the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at the home of Jeff and Wende Copp, 2412 Fifth Ave., Fort Worth.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Broadway Baptist Church, 305 W. Broadway, Fort Worth, Texas 76104 or to the Charles R. Hoffman Scholarship in Jazz Studies at Texas Christian University, P.O. Box 297440, Fort Worth, Texas 76129.

Mr. Hoffman was born on Nov. 30, 1923, in Fort Worth to H. Guy and Alma Gosney Hoffman. Dr. Charles Harris, the namesake of the Methodist hospital, was the attending physician. A graduate of Polytechnic High School, Mr. Hoffman enrolled in music studies at TCU. His education was interrupted by World War II, where he served in the Marine Corps in the South Pacific. He was a featured trumpet soloist in the West Coast Marine Band. Mr. Hoffman completed baccalaureate and master's degrees in music education from TCU and commenced upon a lifelong career as a band, orchestra and choral director.

In 1948, he married Wanda Jean Woodard, who preceded him in death in 2004. Their marriage was characterized by a commitment to "staying in motion." At the beginning of their courtship, Charles and Wanda resolved to play at minimum one round of golf every day, rain or shine--a resolution they kept for an extended period of time. They also enjoyed their tennis group, playing bridge, travel and supporting the activities and interests of their children and grandchildren.

Mr. Hoffman served for 33 years as band director at Amon Carter-Riverside High School in Fort Worth. His interest in and passion for music extended far beyond his responsibilities as a music educator. He served as director of the Dallas Cowboys band for 14 years, the Moslah Shrine bands, the Fort Worth City Band, and as a guest conductor of the United States Air Force Concert Band. Mr. Hoffman was elected to the Texas Shrine Band Association Hall of Fame and served as president of the Shrine Band Association of North America.

His passion for jazz music was lifelong. In the early 1960s, he formed a partnership that brought Lionel Hampton, Maynard Ferguson and other renowned jazz artists to Fort Worth. Although the city was not yet ready for large-venue jazz talent, his commitment was undeterred. The Charles R Hoffman Scholarship in Jazz Studies was established in his honor at TCU; and he was elected to the TCU Bandsman Hall of Fame. Until the end of his life, Charles Hoffman was humming, singing "scat" and tapping rhythms to music heard in his mind, memory and heart.

Charles Hoffman's character is best described as loyal, generous, and hard working; his priorities remained his faith, family, friends and community. He amassed a record number of volunteer hours working in the county's community supervision and corrections department as a literacy teacher.

As he has now departed human life, he will be remembered by his family and those whose lives were touched, influenced or shaped by this remarkable man. Requiescat in Pace.

Survivors: Mr. Hoffman is survived by his sister, June Freeman; his children, Charles Hoffman Jr. and wife, Marie, Vivian Hoffman, Anna Treadway, and Wende Copp and husband, Jeff; grandchildren, Michael Treadway, Erin Treadway, Anne Hoffman Smith, Courtney Copp, Zachary Davis, Julia Hoffman, Abby Davis, Chace Copp and Evan Copp; and three great-grandchildren.