Travis Claude “TC” Hoffman departed this life on August 3rd, 2010. He was born in Bastrop County on September 1, 1926 to Alex and Emma (Willenberg) Hoffman. His parents, brother, Elbert, and grandson, Brandon Hoffman preceded him in death. TC is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Gladys; two daughters, Jan Rinehart and husband Dan of Smithville, Shirley Quincy and husband Roger of San Angelo, and son, Claude and wife Laurie of Bastrop. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Lisa and Dean Rinehart of Smithville, Jason Phelps of Austin, and Brian Hoffman of Bastrop as well as great grandchildren, Brett Duty, Ivey Rinehart, Kayde Rinehart, and Noah Rinehart of Smithville. TC is also survived by his sister Leona Ward of Houston as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
As a lifelong resident of Bastrop County, TC attended Bastrop schools.  During the fall of 1944, his senior year, he received his draft notice.  ‘Fessor Dodson, high school teacher and coach, convinced the draft board to postpone his leaving until after that fall’s football season. As “T” has told anyone who would listen, he was part of that ‘44 Bastrop Bear undefeated bi-district champs team. During 1994, TC helped organize the 50th reunion of the team and they were honored during a home game in Bastrop. Coincidentally, his grandson, Brandon served as captain and quarterback of the Bear’s team during that game.
As a teenager, TC worked at Cecil Long’s dairy, Elkins 5&10, Turner’s dry good store, and Long’s Western Auto. After his stint with the Navy during WWII, he worked for Sim’s Chevrolet until he went to work at the McAllister Ranch with his brother-in-law, Jimmy Nutt. TC worked as ranch foreman for nearly 20 years and when the ranch became Tahitian Village and ColoVista, TC continued to work as project manager and water district manager.
TC was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church, and a charter member of the Bastrop Evening Lion’s Club. He was recently presented with the Melvin Jones Fellowship Honor, the highest honor bestowed by Lions, for his longtime humanitarian work. He was also a member of the Bastrop County Sheriff’s Posse, helped organize a citizens band radio club, was a long time member of the Bastrop County Pecan Growers Auxiliary, and member of the Bastrop Senior Citizens Center.
TC worked hard and played hard. He made friends easily including many of the young men he hired during summers to haul hay at the ranch. After retirement TC enjoyed many hours playing dominoes with friends at the feed store, the flower shop, and the Senior Citizens Center. Curious by nature, he found joy and laughter in all aspects of his life. He loved fishing, hunting, gardening, raising cattle and finding arrowheads. He would also have added here that he LOVED the Aggies!
The family received guests at Bastrop Providence Funeral Home in Bastrop on Wednesday evening, Aug. 4, 2010. Funeral Services were held Thursday, Aug. 5 at the First United Methodist Church of Bastrop. The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the church, the Bastrop Evening Lions Club Scholarship Fund, or Hospice Austin.