Larry Elton Lofton

1SG Larry E. Lofton passed away peacefully in his home in Mesquite, Texas on December 9, 2012 at 6:45am at the age of 66 years old.He finally lost his 13 month battle with Pancreatic Cancer but didnt go down without the fight of an amazing warrior.We were fortunate enough to be allowed some great times with him in the last year. Larry is predeceased by his Mom, Joyce Patricia Gibson and his Dad, Douglas Eldon Lofton.In addition, his sister Janis, his half sister, Sandra and his half brother, Robert. Among many aunts & uncles and grandparents. Larry is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Julia Judy Lofton; they are the Love of Each others Lives and always will be. They were married in Colorado Springs, Colorado at Fort Carson Military Base on June 4, 1967.Larry is so lovingly remembered by his daughter; Angela Jean Lofton Jordan and her husband Mark Edward Jordan of Sparks, Nevada.He is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Larry was born in Laurel, Mississippi on April 29, 1946.Larry went on from high school to join the United States Army at the age of 17, he enjoyed it so much he made a 20 plus year career of it.He served 3 one-year tours in Vietnam shortly after joining the Army and was an outstanding soldier throughout his career which included running an NCO (Non Commission Officers) Academy for 3 years at the Flint Kaserne in Bad Toelz, Germany. Once retiring from the Army he returned to his love and dedication to the military as a Junior ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corp) Instructor at West Mesquite High School for 6 years and also taught JROTC for one year in Reno, Nevada.He enjoyed sharing with students what wonderful opportunities can come from the military and many students followed in his footsteps by making careers for themselves in the Armed Forces which made him very proud!He happily stayed in touch with many of his students and considered them to be friends. Larry enjoyed spending time with his family and although Angela & Mark lived in Nevada, we made many trips throughout the years to spend together.He loved spending all the time he could with his wife, Judy; they had fun doing so much together, just from watching television, going shopping to traveling.They were always together and going somewhere in the spur of the moment, that was Larry. Our hearts are heavy and we miss him so much each and every day.It doesnt feel like it will get easier but we know with time we will have all the wonderful memories we shared with you in life and will be able to wear smiles in our hearts.You are my mommas (Judy) Love of Her Life and you are my (Angie) Daddy, we will never forget you and you will forever be in our hearts! The Celebration of Life will be held at Sunnyvale Baptist Church located in the Lighthouse at 3018 N. Beltline Road, Sunnyvale, on Thursday, December 27, 2012 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. We are holding a casual affair, no need to dress up.There will be snacks and beverages and places to sit and visit to enjoy sharing wonderful stories about a great man! In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, a 1SG Larry E. Lofton Legacy Fund has been set up: Via Mail by check, made out to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (please reference 1SG Larry E Lofton Legacy Fund): Tax ID: 33-0841281, 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. By Phone calling the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at 877-272-6226 Or Online at http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/larry-lofton/KeeptheMemoryAlive, select the Donate button. There will also be a basket placed by the guest book at the Celebration of Life gathering if youd like to drop off a card or a donation and we will take care of sending them to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. I told my Daddy he would always be a star in the sky looking down on us at all times so we know were never alone.A star has been named in his honor in his astrological sign of Taurus. He will always be our shining star! Taurus RA 5h 23m 23s D 20 4' Dedicated to: 1SG Larry E. Lofton on December 9, 2012