Don H. Loftin, 94, longtime resident of Lacy Lakeview, died Monday, May 4, 2020.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10AM Friday, May 8th at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bellmead (Mandated seating capacity: 70). Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park.
Reciting the Holy Rosary: 6PM Thursday, May 7th at Lake Shore Funeral Home (Mandated seating capacity: 50). A short Visitation will follow until 7PM.
Please note the funeral service will be live-streamed at St. Joseph Catholic Church Face Book Page.
Don was born December 28, 1925 in Batson, Texas, the son of Leonard Harrison Loftin and Jimmie Lois (Zorn) Loftin. He started 1st Grade with twenty other children, one of which was a young girl named Etoile “Sissie” Boswell. They began dating their junior year of high school, embarking on a long lasting relationship. They graduated from Sour Lake High School in May 1943. On December 29, 1946, Sissie and Don were married at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Sour Lake.
Don served in the Army in World War II as a rifleman in Co. A 303 Regiment 97th Division and engaged in campaigns in the Rhineland and Central Europe. The GI Bill allowed Don to earn a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Southwestern Louisiana Institute. He taught and coached in Plaquemines Parish Louisiana from 1949 until 1953.
Don was employed with Shell Oil Company followed with a residence in Aransas Pass, which provided many memorable family weekends on Mustang Island. After a job transfer to Atlanta, Texas, Don accepted a position in 1963 with the University of Texas. It was there that Don and his family became fans of the UT athletic teams, especially Darrell Royal’s famous teams of the 60’s.
In August 1967, he accepted a position with James Connally Campus of Texas A & M University (later named TSTC). He served in a number of administrative positions before retiring in 1988 as Dean of Special Instructional Services.
He proudly served on the Connally ISD School Board for several years. Don and Sissie built their retirement home near the Spring Lake in the community of Lacy Lakeview in 1983.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Sissie Loftin; three brothers, Leonard Harmon Loftin, James Lee Loftin, and George Calvin Loftin; and a sister, Doris Loftin Parker.
Survivors include three sons, Reverend Don Loftin of Georgetown, Tim Loftin and wife Glenna of Aledo, and Shane Loftin and wife Diana of Lacy Lakeview; grandchildren, Cole and wife Erica, Haley, and Hannah of Aledo, Lance and wife Megan of Spring, Savannah of Dallas, and Tori of Lacy Lakeview; and great grandchildren, Lakelyn and Holland.
No man was ever more richly blessed on his journey through life!
Pallbearers will be Tim Loftin, Shane Loftin, Lance Loftin, Cole Loftin and Eric Eisenman. Honorary Pallbearers are Savannah Loftin, Tori Loftin, Megan Loftin, Haley Loftin, Hannah Loftin and Erica Loftin.
The family would like to acknowledge a special Thank You to Tomas and Tonya Cardoza who have done so much for Sissie and Don the last few years.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Place of Service: St. Joseph Catholic Church , 1011 Boston St.; Bellmead, TX 76705
Print Obituary & Condolences
His entire life was centered on his faith and his family.
To my knowledge he never wavered in either of those commitments.
His faith made him humble and strong to run his race.
He had no need to ask how he ought to run it.
He fought as an infantryman in Patton’s Army.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
His nephew,
James Lee Loftin, Jr.
We never know when God will call us home, but God was finished with Mr. Loftin’s mission here on earth and called him back. C.S. Lewis, a famous Christian author who wrote many books including the Chronicles or Narnia, wrote in his book, The Last Battle, which definitely applies to Mr. Loftin: “All their life in this world and all their adventures … had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.” Thank you, Jesus, for lending Mr. Loftin to us to bless us and make us all better people as a result of him. Amen!
We, at Providence Hospice Place, are so grateful for the honor and privilege provided to us in caring for Mr. Loftin. We heard some special stories about his life. His faith certainly guided and directed him. Now he has passed the baton to his family and entered into his eternal home. May his family and friends experience the great peace and comfort that comes from God’s gracious hand as they cherish and share many wonderful memories of this life well-lived.
Chaplain Danny Tomlinson
Shane ,so sorry for your lost. May God give you and your family peace at this difficult time.
Great man, great family. Love you guys. Memories of Sour Lake. Aransas Pass, Waco, 50th anniversary,
Spring Creek Park…….. so many good times. Great book, I still read it today!!
#1 Son of Bill & LaVerne
Mike & Wanda Boswell just want to thank you , to you and your family.
Thinking of you all at this time. He may be with our Heavenly Father now, but he will always remain sweet in our memory.
Jim & Mary Jo Jaska
Don, Tim and Shane, my deepest condolences on the passing of your father. I have many fond memories of growing up next to you all on Robins Loop. Prayers for you and your family during these difficult times.
Larry Newton
Gary and I wish to send our love and prayers to the Loftin Family. Uncle Don was one of a kind! Gary has wonderful memories of years long ago with Uncle Don and Aunt Sissy plus all the cousins. Uncle Don was a strong man but the good Lord called him home to rest.
Blessings and love – Gary & Mary Kay Baskett and Family
Beth and I offer I sincere condolences on this sad news. I was a huge fan of Mr. Loftin and all that he stood for and did for the Connally community. Our hearts go you to his family in this time of sadness.
Beth and I offer our sincere condolences on this sad news. I was a huge fan of Mr. Loftin and all that he stood for and did for the Connally community. Our hearts go you to his family in this time of sadness.
Father Don, Tim, Shane, the family is in our thoughts and prayers in the passing of your father. I was blessed to have met him at St. Catherine’s while rehabilitating. We shared many meals together in early March. Our dining table had four Army vets. He would share a story during our meal. I wrote them down later because they were so interesting. He gave me a signed copy of his book. A cherished keepsake.
Our last text was just over a week ago. I will miss him.
May God continue to Bless y’all
Les & Karen Robison
(Sarge)
Don was one of the nicest and friendliest guys that I’ve ever known. I hated to hear this news and my heart goes out to the family.
How well I remember Don and Sissy Loftin from St Mary’s Catholic Church in Waco. Please know how much I care and that you are in my prayers.
Shane
We are so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He was a good man and he and your mom raised a great family. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Kris and Janice Crockett
Dear friends
Love and prayers on angels wings are coming your way in this time Don and Sissy were such a part of mine and Boyd’s life. Football Connally High
School. School Board etc. Life is good with great memories. My heart is heavy with sadness but
I know that Don is in heaven reunited with his beloved Sissy. Blessings to all of you
I send deepest sympathy to the entire Loftin family. I talked with your dad several times on Facebook just very recent. Sending prayers of comfort and peace during this difficult time. I hold fond memories during our growing up years a at TSTC.
Tim, Prayers are with you and your family. Cherish and hold on to your memories, your father was a beautiful person.
So sorry to hear of your Father’s passing Tim. May God comfort you & your family during this time. I will keep you all in my Prayers.