Stephen P. Hoffman

Stephen Paul Hoffman, age 68, of West Alexandria, Ohio, arrived peacefully to his heavenly home on October 3, 2025 after winning his courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family, precious friends, and the palpable presence of the Lord. His unwavering faith and constant joy and hope in His Savior remained a source of strength for him and everyone who knew him (or didn’t know him). He touched the lives of many by continuing to share his testimony with anyone who would listen. November of 2018, Steve was given a death sentence by his medical team, BUT GOD stepped in and gave him and us the precious gift of seven more years. He was the youngest of three boys born to James Irvin Hoffman and Alice Bertha Hoffman (Nichols) on April 16, 1957 in Dubois, Pennsylvania. Stephen was preceded in death by his father, James Irvin Hoffman, mother, Alice Bertha Hoffman, brother, Robert Lynn Hoffman, his precious daughter, Heidi Jo Hoffman Sappington, and son, Jeremy Allen Hoffman (who died at birth).

His memory will be kept alive through his faithful wife of 49 years, Deborah Jean Hoffman, who lovingly cared for him until the very end. His legacy will continue through their sons and daughters who loved him dearly, Bradley (Trisha) Hoffman of Carlisle, OH, and Timothy (Sarah) Sappington of Wyandotte, OK. “Papaw” faithfully prayed for his grandchildren and was intentional on being invested in their lives by consistently being there to listen, encourage, and support them. His memory will be etched in the hearts of Isaiah Sappington, Ethyn Hoffman, Mikayla Sappington, Aryanna Hoffman, Jeremiah Hoffman, Jonas Hoffman, and Joshua Sappington. He was a pillar of calm strength and an anchor for his family. His absence will leave a void in the hearts of his mother-in-law, Barbara Helfinstine, brother, James Hoffman, brothers-in-law, Wally (Kim) Helfinstine, Joseph (Cindy) Helfinstine, James (Becky) Helfinstine, Keith (Darla) McKelvey, and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends who love him dearly. Steve was dedicated to his family by faithfully providing for them by using his talent working as a mechanic for 20 years for Cecil Northern, his long-time dear friend, Tim Kaser, and Ron Napier. During that time, he placed his life on hold so he and Debi could answer the call of God to serve as house parents over the boys at a children’s home in Barbourville, KY. His heart was full of love and loved those children as his own. He later went to work for GE Aviation Unison Industry where he was a trusted employee whose good name was widely known for his dedication, work ethic, kindness, and amazing attention to detail. Outside of work, he enjoyed spending time with his wife and family, camping, bowling, fishing, cornhole, and playing horseshoes.

Steve was a loyal and faithful member of the Union Pentecostal Church family for 49 years, where he was committed to serving on the board for 2 years as a trustee and 17 years as a deacon. He was loved for his leading of worship in song, oftentimes leading songs about heaven. He faithfully served in our Connect Kids children’s ministry for years and ministered by driving the bus picking up children for 30+ years. He is fondly remembered for always making children feel seen and heard. We will carry him in our hearts where he will never be forgotten for his kindness, his giving heart, his love for others, his humor, his big smile, his ability to fix anything, his amazing work ethic, his easygoing personality, his loving nature, his strength, his devotion to his family, his consistency in sharing the love of Jesus, and his faithfulness to God. Funeral services will be held at 11:00a.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at Union Pentecostal Church located at 1101 N. Union Rd. Dayton, OH 45417, with Pastor Kenneth Crews officiating. Burial will follow at Trissel Cemetery, located on S. Diamond Mill Rd, New Lebanon, OH 45345. Family will receive friends from 4:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Union Pentecostal Church. Steve will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him. May his unwavering faith in the Lord continue to inspire us all.