Donald Hofmann

Donald Enoch Hofmann, 84, of Chapel Hll, N.C., died Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012.Mr. Hofmann was born on Aug. 6, 1928, in Baltimore, Md., to Joseph and Nellie Hofmann. He was valedictorian of his high school class before attending Drexel University, where he graduated with honors at age 20. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.Following his military service, Mr. Hofmanns business career started at Armstrong Cork Company in both Florida and Pennsylvania. He subsequently joined the First National Bank of Wichita, Kan. quickly rising to lead the commercial lending group. After 13 years in Wichita helping others fund their business, he moved his family to Signal Mountain, and founded a fast-service printing operation and a commercial lending reporting business.Throughout his career, Mr. Hofmann was active in many civic organizations most notably the Rotary Club in both Wichita and Chattanooga. What really captured his passion, however, was his service to the church where he served on and led numerous church and denominational committees both locally and nationally. He served as Ruling Elder of Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church for more than 20 years, and served and led numerous national denominational committees focused on lay renewal and church polity. Mr. Hofmann is survived by his wife of 61 years, Merle; sons, Stephen and family, Winter Park, Fla., and David and family, Durham, N.C.; sister, Lois Westerlund, Charlottesville, Va.; and brother, Alan, San Diego, Calif.He was preceded in death by James Alan Hofmann, his first born son.A memorial service will be held nextmonth in Signal Mountain, at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church.