Lofty, Wilbert “Bill” Ernest, Jr., age 88, of Franklin, Ohio passed away at Ohio’s Hospice of Butler and Warren Counties on August 19, 2026. He was born on August 10, 1938, in Dayton, Ohio to the late Elizabeth Lofty and Wilbert Lofty, Sr. Alongside his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his brothers; Timothy and Patrick Lofty.
Bill is survived by his wife; Judith Ann Lofty, his former wife; Anita Struble, daughters; Karen Clift, Patricia (Bryan) Randolph, Marianne (Tony) Davis, sisters; Sharon (Nelson) Webb, Teresa Thomas; grandchildren; Nicholas, Jordan, Kamiran, Troy, and great-grandchildren; Bridget, Haidyn, and Axel.
Bill was a US Navy Veteran. He served from 1961 - 1967, and was honorably discharged with a rank of E-5. After serving in the military, he worked for AT&T for 31 years as a Communication Technician in both Dayton, Ohio and Denver, Colorado. Bill retired from AT&T in 1999.
Bill was a Yankee fan and during the MLB season he would always have a game on TV. He also loved watching old western movies. In his free time Bill enjoyed motorcycle riding with the Tele-Riders MC of Dayton, Ohio. He attended several U.S.S. Richard S. Edwards Navy reunions and enjoyed reminiscing with his former shipmates. He always looked forward to family dinners, holidays, and events with his kids and grandkids.
A visitation will be held at Anderson Funeral Home; 1357 E. Second St. Franklin, Ohio 45005 on August 25, 2026, from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. A funeral service will follow starting at 12:00 PM. A burial will take place at Bearcreek - Hillgrove Cemetery; 172 N Union Rd. Dayton, Ohio 45417.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to “Ohio’s Hospice of Butler and Warren Counties” to recognize the exceptional care they provided.
