Bradley Raymond Hoefer
( January 08, 1958 – November 18, 2016 )
Bradley Raymond Hoefer was born on January 8, 1958, in Torrance, California. He was the oldest of four children, and the only son of Peter (d) and Carole Sue Hoefer. Brad grew up with three younger sisters, Krisma Rea, Heidi and Amie, all of whom will remember him as the kindest, most gentle hearted brother who loved and protected them to the end. He also found out later in life that he had a half-brother Mike Howell, which thrilled him to have a brother. He was blessed with loving daughters, Charity (d), Kirsten and Allison, and son in law, Eric. To Brad, the sun rose and set around his girls. They could do no wrong. He found the true happiness of his life in his beautiful granddaughter, Alexis. She was his absolute joy. He was forever loved by his aunts, uncles and cousins, and he touched the lives of his many nieces and nephews. He was not just their uncle, to many he was also their friend.
Brad had a strong faith in God and strived to always remain right with his maker. He believed in the power of prayer and he learned the importance of practicing forgiveness, not just forgiving others but forgiving himself as well. Brad proudly officiated at many weddings, humbly spoke at funerals and said grace before family meals. He stood beside many, lending support and strong shoulders even if it meant some would not agree or understand. He gave second, third and sometimes too many chances as he saw goodness inside most people.
Brad was always a blue jeans and button up kind of guy. He stood tall, had the bluest eyes, and dark curly hair and beard that both softened with the years. Brad enjoyed listening to good old rock n’ roll, appreciated finer food, smoked a few too many and sipped the family favorite, Coca~Cola or sweet tea. The forever optimist, he rarely held a conversation without saying, “far out” at least once.
Brad was a welder by trade. He also crafted many projects on his lathe and made many chains out of chain mail. Most days you would find Brad kicking back, just dreaming up more good ideas. He loved to fish, tried hunting and each year he’d grow vegetables. He had at least one tool that could do anything, sometimes even two or three of the same tool just in case. Most recently, he became fascinated by String Theory and even thought about going back to school to study that field. Always dreaming, always planning. He had so many projects and ideas, sadly not enough time.
On November 18, 2016, Bradley Raymond Hoefer closed his beautiful blue eyes and fell asleep only to wake in the loving arms of his Lord, surrounded by loved ones and cherished friends who had gone before him. He is preceded in death by his daughter Charity, father Peter, and grandparents, William and Winona Jackson. Celebrated for a wonderful, righteous life well lived. Those left behind will mourn and may forever be saddened as they go on without him. Edgar Allan Poe wrote, “Never to suffer would be never to have been blessed”. Knowing Brad has truly been a blessing, one worth the suffering indeed.
Memorial Services will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, December 10, 2016 at the First Christian Church of Deepwater in Deepwater, MO. Visitation will be one hour prior. Inurnment will be at Deepwater Cemetery.
Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, Missouri.