Chief Leonard "Zip" Hoffer Services for Chief "Zip" Hoffer will be held Tuesday, May 10, at 10:00 a.m. at Bethany Baptist Church, with Reverend Jimmy Garrard and Marvin Cooper officiating. Burial will be at Church cemetery with Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements. Chief Leonard Hoffer, age 57, of Meridian, died Friday, May 6, 2011 at his residence. First and foremost he was a man of faith that loved God with all of his heart. He loved his family. He was faithful to everyone, always there in a time of need, and always willing to help no matter what the cost. He was employed with the Air National Guard and loved his job and all of his"friends". He was employed there from 1972-2011. He received many awards. Over the course of his career he was deployed to Italy, Germany, Iraq, Iran, Qatar, Washington, and many other places. His final achievement was "Chief Leonard Hoffer". He was a man of honor and was loved by all. He will truly be missed by his family, friends, and loved ones. In his free time he enjoyed going to his shop, working on cars and trucks, helping others, and also loved his farming. Survivors include Wife of 39 years, Belinda Hoffer, of Meridian, Sons, Ken Michaels Hoffer, of Meridian, Travis Hoffer, of Meridian, Daughter, Melinda Kay Hoffer Clark and husband Michael "Red" Clark, of Meridian, Grandchildren, Chloe Clark, Kalie Clark, and Zachary Clark, Brother, Ronnie Hoffer and wife Diane, of Meridian, Sister, Linda Carol Briggs and husband Gail, of Meridian, Aunt Peggy Martin and Uncle Glenwood Martin, and several Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, Kendall "Son" and Frances Ann Raley Hoffer, Grandparents, Alfred Leonard and Ruth Raley, Uncle Lewis Raley, and Aunt Pill Raley Lowe. Pallbearers will be Jeremy Stokes, Joe Speed, Justin Scarbrough, Tom Covington, Gary Sanford, and Harvey Troutman. Honorary Pallbearers will be Joe Pat Lannon, Ken Williams, Eugene Anderson, Ed Huey, Johnny Atkins, Howard Dubose, Robert Espy, Ricky Roy Shirley, Jamie Bauchum, and Colonel Dewayne Hammrick. In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Cancer Society. Family and Friends may sign the guestbook at www.robertbarhamffh.com Visitation will be Monday, May 9, from 5:00- 8:00 p.m. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home Chapel and 1 Hour at church prior to service on Tuesday, May 10.
