Arthur Lofton, Jr.
1955 ~ 2022
Date of Death: November 11, 2022
In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Lofton family. Arthur’s earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Mr. Arthur Gene Lofton, Jr.
Sincerely,
Derrick Veasley ~ Director
Henry Veasley ~ Director
Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain
Arthur Gene Lofton, Jr. “Doogie” was a blessing from God on Friday, September 9, 1955 to the late Arthur Gene Lofton, Sr. and Birdie Lee (Dixon) Mingo at Fort Chaffee Army Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was called to take his eternal rest on Friday, November 11, 2022 also from Fort Smith. He was also preceded in death by one of his sisters: Belinda Williams; a step-brother: Steve Lofton; a niece: Krystal Woods and a nephew: John Woods, Jr.
Arthur was educated in the Fort School System: Saint John Catholic and Sutton Elementary Schools, Kimmons Junior High and Northside High. He served the United States Navy from 1973 to 1994. He married Anntionette Stevenson in December 15, 1975 in Poteau, Oklahoma. Before retiring from the Navy, he travelled and achieved many goals. He was Sailor of the Year, Squadron Leader of the Year, many endowments, and coach baseball. Following retirement, he worked for the Fort Smith Public School System. Next, he received a Master's Degree from the University of Arkansas. He was raised in church by his mother at First Church of God in Christ and was later baptized by Pastor Eugene Kimble at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Van Buren, AR.
Arthur truly adored his wife, children, grandchildren and family. His love was such a joy to everyone he met and he also made friends with everyone. When talking with his wife, he would always say “You never know”. He loved to listen to the blues and tell many stories of the Navy, Midland Heights during his childhood and the people he grew up with, fast cars and horse racing. He would talk to the youth about getting an education of join the military. He would tell them to do something with their lives. He also loved telling jokes.
Arthur, there are so many that love you because of the person you were throughout your life. We will continue to be a family. I was truly blessed as his wife for 45 years to have been taken on a wonderful journey in life, good or bad. We are so thankful, but now you are at peace and in no pain. We love you so much. We will miss you, but in spite of it all, we will forever remember you.
Arthur will be forever treasured and remembered by his wife: Anntionette Lofton; two sons: Arthur Gene Lofton, III and Arthuro Lofton all three of Fort Smith, AR; six grandchildren: Jordan Lofton West, Arthur G. Lofton IV, Olivia G. Lofton, Cater E. Lofton, Kamden J. Lofton and Mariah Bransetter; three brothers: Harold Meriweather of Fort Smith, AR, Mark Lofton of Long Beach, CA, and Cresent (Michelle) Lofton of Yagoona, Australia; four sisters: Melissa Woods of Fort Smith, AR, Birdie Lofton of Roland, OK, Nannette (Jered) Klingaman of Valdosta, GA and Candra Lofton of Las Vegas, NV and a host of other family members and friends.
Visitation will be Thursday, November 17, 2022 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rowell-Parish Mortuary 611 North 9th Street Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.
Celebration of life service will be held Friday, November 18, 2022 at 11 a.m. at First Church of God in Christ 2037 North 14th Street Fort Smith, Arkansas 72904.
Committal service and final resting place will be at the Fort Smith National Cemetery Fort Smith, Arkansas.
