Larry Jimmie Hoffpauir

Larry Jimmie Hoffpauir, 89, of Lake Charles, died on Tuesday, January 19, at a local care facility.

He was born on December 3, 1926, at Ebenezer, LA to the home of Travis Benson and Ruth (Dailey) Hoffpauir.

At a young age, his family made a move to Lake Charles, where Larry (he was called Jimmie by most in those days) grew up, enjoying life.

At the age of 17, during the midst of World War II, he convinced his dad to sign papers to allow him to enlist in the U.S. Navy. He did duty in Okinawa, Philippines, and Japan. He said it was a great day when they were told that Japan had surrendered because they had received orders to advance on Japan.

He was given an option to be discharged early if he volunteered for what was called the “Guinea Pig Squadron”. He did so, and was able to return to the U.S. earlier. He said it was a wonderful day when he saw the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance, as they returned.

During that time period, he was confronted by Jesus Christ and surrendered his life to God. He also answered a call to preach the gospel.

And so, in 1949, he and his young wife, whom he had married on December 16, 1948, made the trip to Oklahoma to enroll in college. He remained the for a number of years while he worked in inner-city ministry. During this time, six children came to grace their home.

In 1969, Larry returned to Louisiana to pastor a church in Bossier City. During the next 23 ½ years, he pastored the Bossier City First Church of the Nazarene, and then Nazarene churches in Lafayette and Winnsboro. He was ordained by the Church of the Nazarene in 1970. He loved people and people responded to his ministry.

He then retired and moved back to Lake Charles. He did not stop ministry though. He held several interim pastorates and preached at various churches.

Those left to honor and cherish his memory are a son, David Lynn Hoffpauir and wife Phyllis of Natchitoches, and three daughters, Sharon Ruth Hoffpauir of Lake Charles, Regina Joy Hoffpauir Zevely of Virginia Beach, VA, and Jan Nelda Hoffpauir of Bethany, OK. Also, two sons-in-law, David Read and Brent Duroy; 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Also, sisters, Margery Ruth Hoffpauir Triplett and Nettie May Hoffpauir, both of Lake Charles, and Willis Lea Hoffpauir of Lake Charles and Ivy Leo Hoffpauir and wife Joyce of Richmond, TX.

Preceding him in death are his parents, his wife, Clonia Ann Freeman Hoffpauir, two daughters, Karen Nita Hoffpauir Read and Esther Ann Hoffpauir Duroy, and a brother, Travis Austin Hoffpauir.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, January 23 at First Church of the Nazarene of Lake Charles with the Rev. John Hoffpauir officaiting. Visitation will be on Friday, January 22, at Johnson Funeral home from 5-9 pm. Burial will be at Prien Memorial Park.