John Lofton, 73, of Walnut, MS, formerly of Middleton, passed away Monday, February 3, 2020 at Mississippi Care Center in Corinth.
A native of Corinth, he was born December 8, 1946, son of the late Morris and Eulah May Haley Lofton, spending his school years in the Middleton area, and graduated from Walnut High School in 1964. He attended Delta State College, but was drafted into the US Army, serving from 1968-71 and was on tour in Vietnam from 1968-69. While in the Army, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force. Pfc Lofton distinguished himself by heroic actions while attached to the 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry in the Republic of Vietnam. He was described in the May 29, 1969 edition of the Bolivar Bulletin-Times as follows ‘with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to the deadly holocaust of the exploding projectiles as he assaulted the enemy emplacements. His valorous actions contributed immeasurable to the defeat of the enemy force and success of the mission.’ The article went on to mention several times Pfc Lofton set aside his own safety for the success of the missions and defeat of enemy forces. His efforts not only awarded him the Bronze Star, a high honor in the military, but he also received the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device for heroism while serving as a cannoneer with A Battery, 1st Battalion, 8th Field Artillery and the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device (First Oak Leaf Cluster) for heroism. After his time served in the military, he returned to work some for TGT and did some carpentry with his brothers, prior to becoming disabled. Mr. Lofton was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church.
Services are 11 am Thursday, February 6, 2020 at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Middleton with Nate Foster officiating. Burial is Friday, February 7, 2020 in Pleasant Grove Baptist Cemetery in Brookhaven, Mississippi.
Survivors include a brother, Henry Lofton of Somerville; a sister in law and caregiver, Brenda Lofton of Walnut; two nieces, Emily Wilson (Bill) of Florida and Leah Everett (Les) of Ramer; a nephew, Jim Lofton, Jr. (Teresa) of Olive Branch, MS; a great niece, Ericka King and a great nephew, Noah Lofton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Jim Lofton. Memorial contributions in his name may be sent to The Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate).
