Montey R. Hoffman, age 61, of Green Camp, died unexpectedly on Friday, February 3, 2012, at his residence following a brief illness.
On April 13, 1950, Montey was born in Marion County, the fourth of six children of the late Noble and Evelyn (Blummenschein) Hoffman.
He graduated from River Valley High School in the Class of 1968.
Shortly after graduation, Montey enlisted in the U.S. Navy, joining his fellow countrymen in the Vietnam War. He served for four years as a gunners mate aboard the U.S. Mount Hood, as Naval support in Vietnam.
Upon his honorable discharge, Montey returned to home to Marion County and quickly found work with the Erie Lakawana Railroad Company as a clerk. He also worked for several years at Duke’s Trailer Services repairing trailers, until he found a job at the Whirlpool Corporation. Montey then worked for Whirlpool for nearly 20 years, first as an assembler and then as a tow motor operator until his retirement in 2008.
Over the years, Montey has served the Prospect American Legion Post 368 in many capacities, including being their Commander for over the past year. He has also been affiliated with all of the American Legion posts in Marion. Further, he has been a life member of the V.F.W. Post 7201, the AmVets Posts in Upper Sandusky and Marion, and he has been a member of the Elks B.P.O. 32.
With a love for baseball, if you ever wanted to find Montey you would first start by looking for him at the Prospect ball fields. The ball fields were his second home and he helped with everything there at the diamonds, with his best friend, former major league umpire Larry Barnett. Montey also took pride in coaching the Prospect American Legion Baseball Team, and the young men on his team were very important to him.
More than just baseball, Montey was “big into most sports”. He was an avid Ohio State University, Cleveland Browns, and Cincinnati Reds fan. He also loved being a part of the football crew for Marion Harding High School, helping there with the chains, clock, etc. Further, he enjoyed bowling, especially in leagues on his father’s bowling team, Hoffman Electric.
In his younger days, Montey would go hunting and fishing whenever the opportunity presented itself. He had even run a charter boat on Lake Erie, showing fisherman a good time.
Having a degree from “the school of hard knocks”, Montey could get along with and make friends with most anyone. Going to all sorts of ball games with Larry, Montey had even been befriended by famous people in sports such as Derek Jeter and Woody Hayes.
A “straight shooter”, you always knew where Montey stood. He also was very independent man, never getting into the business of others.
Montey will be missed by his two brothers: Jeff (Kim Collins) Hoffman of Zanesville, and Mike (Lori) Hoffman of Marion; numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends; and his beloved golden retriever, Simon.
Including his parents, Montey was preceded in death by three siblings: Shirley Shenefield, Marilyn Knapp, and Lloyd “Beanie” Hoffman.
The Hoffman family will greet friends from 2 – 4 p.m. on Friday, February 10, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services celebrating his life and uniqueness will follow at 4:00 p.m. with Celebrant Don Lockwood officiating. Following his services, friends and family will be invited to continuing sharing remembrances of Montey at the V.F.W. Post 7201, 1614 Marion Marysville Rd. (SR 4), Marion. Burial with military honors will take place at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Montey’s family to assist with these unexpected expenses.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Montey’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
About Marion Online Obituaries
