Dec. 5, 1944-July 8, 2017
On July 8, 2017, after a short illness, Alton Lee Lofton, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and great-grandfather departed this earth to join his Heavenly Father. Alton was born Dec. 5, 1944. A lifelong resident of Natchitoches, he is survived by his wife, Cheryl Thornhill Lofton; children, Lisa Solomon (Tony), Marla Moore (Kyle), Margaret Sanders (Scott) and Adam Lofton (Sarah); six grandsons, three granddaughters one great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his identical twin brother, Dalton (JoAnn) of Kerrville, Texas, and his oldest brother, Jim (Beth) of Pineville. He was preceded in death by his parents, Avery Lee and Fannie McBride Lofton; sister, Virginia Rae Lofton; and identical twin brothers, Wayne and Layne Lofton. Alton was a master electrician and used his expertise and various skills in a multitude of environments. Over his career, he worked for the City of Natchitoches, was a small business owner, a State Fire Marshal, an electrical instructor at Louisiana Technical College and most recently a Utility Coordinator for Northwestern State University until his retirement in 2012. Anyone who knew Alton knew of his passion for work and in-depth knowledge of the electrical profession. Alton was a true reflection of a Louisiana man and took full advantage of the state’s resources and heritage. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and southern cook. He perfected the art of crawfish preparation, learned to make a flawless roux, and cooked a superb pot of rice. Alton had a generous heart and would eagerly lend a helping hand to his family and friends. Whatever the task, all who knew him understood he was going to do it the “Alton Way.” Alton was most proud of his membership in the Masonic fraternity. He was a 50-year member of Phoenix Lodge #38 in Natchitoches. Alton was a 32nd Degree Mason in Valley of Monroe, Orient of Louisiana, A. A. S. R. and a member of Shriner’s International. Funeral services were Tuesday, July 11 at 10 a.m. at Blanchard -St. Denis Funeral Home with burial at Calvary Baptist Church in Natchitoches. Those honored to be pallbearers include Dale Martin, Carl Jones, Anthony Shirley, Travis Lofton, Ron Jones and Clint Perot. Honorary pallbearers were Charles LaCaze, John Hudson and Ronald Shirley.
