Ray Hamrick Lofton's Obituary
Ray Hamrick Lofton, 92, of Leonard, Oklahoma, passed away on February 24, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a man of unwavering faith and service.
Born on May 23, 1932, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Ray was the son of Milo and Ollie (Bickel) Lofton. His early years were spent in the Tulsa area before his family relocated to Ontario, California, during the Great Depression, where he completed his education. Shortly after, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving honorably during the Korean Conflict.
Following his military service, Ray returned to Tulsa and worked for Grainger Electric before beginning a distinguished 20-year career with the Tulsa Fire Department, A career marked by organizing, leading and mentoring many of the union locals across the state of Oklahoma. A stout union member Ray ran for and was elected to National Offices with-in the AFL-CIO and PFFO among other honors bestowed upon him by his fellow Firefighters.
Ray met the love of his life, Sandra Marguerite Brewster, at the First Baptist Church of Leonard, and together they built a life filled with faith, love, and family. They made their home in Leonard, where Ray enjoyed raising cattle, fishing-his favorite pastime-and watching sports. A talented baseball player in his youth, he even caught the attention of Triple-A teams but ultimately chose a different path.
A devoted family man, Ray was described by his son, Adam, as "the best dad a son could ask for." His niece, Milene, fondly remarked, "If I needed anyone in my corner, it would be Ray Lofton."
Ray was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Leonard, where he served as a deacon. Kind, soft-spoken, and a true gentleman, he lived his life with integrity and faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents Milo and Ollie; his son, Dan Lofton; his brothers, Raymond and Roy Lofton; his sister, Ella Mae Starks; his foster daughter, Tammy Mansfield; and her son, J.B. Lofton.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Marguerite; his son, Adam Lofton, and daughter-in-law, Sandi Lofton; his cherished granddaughters, Athena Jessica Lofton and Shelby Nicole Lofton; and a host of extended family and friends.
A funeral service to honor Ray's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the First Baptist Church of Leonard where both the Firefighter's Honor Guard and the U.S. Army Honors Team will render honors. Interment will follow at Floral Haven Cemetery.
Ray's legacy of kindness, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
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