Benny Charles Lofton

Ben Lofton passed away suddenly at his home on July 30, 2016. A man of great compassion and authenticity, Ben will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He was born on February 29, 1940, the second child of Anne Burns Lofton and Thomas Hilton Lofton. He moved to Houston with his family as a young teenager and talked often of the fond memories he experienced and enjoyed while living in the small town of McGehee, Arkansas.

After moving to Houston, Ben attended the University of Houston and served with the U.S. Army as a Military Police during the 1960’s. He married the love of his life, “Jo”, and cherished the many good times, as well as challenges, they experienced together through the years. His active participation and competitive spirit in football and basketball many times landed him the title of “Captain” on the various teams for which he played. Ben was also an avid golfer. His early career in the oilfield industry led him to begin Southern Alloy Company in 1986, where he established a good reputation in the oilfield equipment industry as someone of integrity and dependability. Ben appreciated the friendship of his loyal and long-term customers at Shell Oil, KBR and many others.

Ben’s love and dedication to his family was unconditional and his principal joys were the frequent talks and visits he enjoyed with his children and grandchildren. While a source of strength and wisdom for his family, he was never short on advice or hesitated to exhibit that strong, free-spirited “tell it like it is” attitude, always encouraging and quick to express his confidence. The strong bond that existed with his family would often result in purposeful visits for counsel and advice. His generosity towards his family also extended toward many underprivileged children and families. Only eternity will tell of the many lives impacted through his giving heart. Above all, Ben was a man of strong faith, loved God and talked often of his personal relationship with Christ. He knew this life was but a stepping stone into the much greater one that awaits us all.

He survived by his loving wife, JoAnn Lofton,; his daughter, Cherlyn Kim McCoy and husband, Jeff McCoy; his son, Jason Todd Lofton and daughter-in-law, Michelle Lofton; his sister and brother-in-law, Eula & Darrell Bingle; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ray & Jeane Crabtree, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was “Papa” to his five beloved grandsons, Kolby, Kamren, Chase, Samuel and Michael. Ben is predeceased in death by his grandson, Samuel, his parents and only brother, Reverend James Thomas Lofton.

Our family warmly welcomes friends to a memorial service of thanksgiving for Ben’s life at noon on Tuesday, August 2, 2016,. at Heights Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Boys & Girls Country, Attn: Elaine Petranek, 18806 Roberts Road, Hockley, Texas 77447.

Arrangements under the direction of Heights Funeral Home, Houston, TX.