Obituary of Kenton Charles Hofmeister

Hofmeister, Kenton Charles, 81, of St. Petersburg, FL passed away May 4, 2018, and will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched. Ken was born in Queens, NY to Charles and Joyce Hofmeister, and spent his childhood in Richmond, IN and Orlando, FL. Ken graduated with a B.A. (magna cum laude) from Carson Newman College. He continued his education at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, with a Masters of Divinity degree, while he served as Youth Minister of First Baptist Church in Orlando. Ken followed his calling as minister of churches in Kentucky and Azalea Baptist Church in St. Petersburg, during which time the sanctuary was built. He continued his mission at the Sunday School Board in Nashville, TN as supervisor of editors and Human Resources Director.

He later made a difference in the lives of others through teaching vision-based leadership as a management consultant and national accounts manager with Development Dimensions International in Pittsburgh, PA and Tampa, FL. Ken devoted time to those causes he believed in, with fishing volunteer work in the Coastal Conservation Association; as president of the Suncoast Fly Fishers’ Association for four years; and in officer positions in the Florida Fly Fishers’ Council. He also brought a renewed focus on spiritual growth and giving back to the community as a member of a spiritual fellowship. In December, 2017, he presented to the ASH Conference on Living Well with Myeloma through the power of positivity. Ken Hofmeister was committed to a purpose-filled life, living in accord with a higher power, serving others, and those that came to know him found their lives touched in a powerful and enriching way. He will be mourned, he will be missed; he will be celebrated, and he will be remembered for his compassion, wisdom, and humility. Ken is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ann.

Surviving children include daughter Janell Lewis, husband Marquess, and children Julia and Graham; daughter Jenny Voigt, husband Geoff, and children Connor and Ryan; and son Karl Hofmeister, wife Krista, and children Ada and Reid. His sister-in-law Jean Cheely, and several cousins, nieces and nephews are also an integral part of this family. Living boldly, with love, and with gratitude, he left a very large wake.

The memorial service will be Saturday, May 12 at 3 pm at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 4545 Chancellor Street NE, St. Petersburg, 33703, with visitation at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Ken’s name to the International Myeloma Foundation: IMF International Headquarters, 12650 Riverside Drive, Suite 206, North Hollywood, CA 91607, or http://give.myeloma.org/KenHofmeister