Walter Ray Loftis

Walter started life in Oklahoma where he grew up the son of two teachers, Marrol and Ruth Loftis. After serving in Korea he completed his education at East Central State College in Ada, Oklahoma where he met the love of his life, Joan, and married her three months later. It was a perfect match! Both became teachers and carried on the teacher legacy. They had three children in Oklahoma and in 1964 they moved to Reedley, California where they stayed and proceeded to have two more children. Walter taught science and especially loved Biology. He was the Science Club advisor for many years at Reedley High School.

Throughout the years an important part of their lives was their Christian faith. They were long time members of the Church of Christ in Dinuba where they were very active for 60 years. He and Joan both retired from teaching in 1993 and have since enjoyed welcoming new people into the family. Whether it was marriages or births they welcomed each one! The family grew and is still growing, the pride of Walter’s life. Walter loved his Joan and told her so every day until he left us. He loved the Lord, his Joan and his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents Marrol and Ruth Loftis, his brothers Gene Loftis, Bob Loftis, his granddaughter Kristin Kay and his son-in-law Steven Kay. He is survived by his wife, Joan, of Reedley; his sister Pat Herrell of Ft Smith, AR; brother Don Loftis of Missouri; daughter Debbie Kay of Chula Vista; daughter Terri Mason (Mel) of Fresno; son Keith Loftis (Elaine) of Clovis; daughter Cheryl Sutton (Brett) of Las Vegas; daughter Toni Ensz (David) of Reedley. Grandchildren: Misty Freeman (James), Shane Mason (Darla), Nathan Loftis (Serena), Brittany Ahia (Corey), Cori Teskey (Brandon), Alissa Helm (Brenton), Austin Mason (Amanda), Jennifer Trevino, Breann DeHaan(Bryan), Kelsey Sutton, Janel Neufeld (Ryan), Samantha Welch (Marcus), Cody Ensz and 21 great grandchildren.

A Memorial Service for Walter will be held Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 10:00 AM at Church of Christ, 480 S College Ave, Dinuba, CA 93618.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Loftis family.