TSgt. Nathan Don Lofton USAF (Ret.)

Nathan is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Cecil Louise Lofton; his daughter, Judi Nochta and husband Jeff; his son, Nathan Don Lofton II and wife Cyndi; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Debbie Evans, and his son-in-law Donnie Evans.

Nathan lived a life of extraordinary service, courage, and dedication to his country. During his military career, he served four tours in Southeast Asia as a Flight Engineer aboard C-47, C-123, and C-130 aircraft. His distinguished service earned him numerous military decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medal with 12 Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Thai Jump Wings.

Among his many accomplishments, Nathan participated in the escort of American military prisoners of war during the POW exchange in Hanoi, North Vietnam. He also played a vital role in the evacuation of Vietnamese refugees to the Philippines and Okinawa following the Vietnam War. A highly respected parachutist, he served as a United States Parachute Association Instructor, Jumpmaster, Senior Rigger, and Area Safety Officer in both Thailand and Arkansas. While stationed at Udorn, Thailand, he trained the Thai Border Patrol Police in High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) parachute operations.

Following his military service, Nathan continued his distinguished aviation career as a Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII), holding Instrument, Single-Engine Land, and Multi-Engine Land ratings. He served as a Corporate Pilot from 1980 to 2010 and as a Flight Instructor from 1999 to 2010, sharing his expertise and passion for aviation with countless students and colleagues.

Nathan embraced life with enthusiasm and adventure. His hobbies included skydiving, where he completed more than 2,000 jumps, motorcycle racing, leather crafting, and flying his beloved Cessna 182. He enjoyed volunteering with the veterans affairs driving disabled veterans to appointments. One of his greatest joys was his involvement with the Coleman Flying Club, where he proudly conducted military flyovers to honor veterans and service members at funeral and memorial services.

Nathan will be remembered for his bravery, patriotism, generosity, and unwavering devotion to his family and fellow aviators. His remarkable life of service, leadership, and adventure leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Visitation will be held at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Highway 277 South, Abilene, TX 79606, US, on June 10, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Highway 277 South, Abilene, TX 79606, US, on June 11, 2026, at 9:30 am. A Committal Service will follow at Texas State veterans cemetery of Abilene, 7457 W Lake Rd, Abilene, TX 79601, US.