Melvin Keith Lofton

Melvin (Mel) Lofton passed away on December 5, 2016, after a courageous nine month battle with leukemia. Mel was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Although his legs had been impacted by polio in his teens, that never slowed him down. Mel truly lived life to the fullest. He never met a stranger and would start a conversation with whoever was nearby. He truly enjoyed learning about other people and telling his own stories. How we will miss those stories! Mel’s true passion was music, and he played saxophone and clarinet from his teens until just a few weeks before his death. He played in bands to pay for his education at The University of Arkansas, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business. After graduation Mel moved to Houston where his mother introduced him to Dorothy Snyder, who he married in 1952 and was the love of his life for the next 63 years. Mel supported Dorothy’s desire to complete her college degree and become a teacher, while they raised their two daughters, Pat and Ruth. Mel enjoyed many activities including golf, hunting, fishing in Galveston, traveling, and especially his music and working on his beloved Mercedes-Benz cars. Mel expressed his passion for music by singing in his church choir at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, where he and Dorothy have been members for over 50 years. He also sang in barbershop quartets and with The Men of Leisure. He played saxophone and clarinet with The Danceables on weekends during the 1960’s and 1970’s. In recent years and up until April, 2016, he played with The Sunshiners, a volunteer band that plays for seniors. Mel truly enjoyed The Sunshiners Band and felt a great sense of joy and purpose in playing with them. Mel was a member of the Woodlands Masonic Lodge 1157 for over 50 years. Prior to his retirement, Mel enjoyed a long and successful career as Traffic Manager for Dresser Magcobar/M-I Drilling Fluids.

Mel is survived by his wife, Dorothy; daughter Pat McAllister and husband Donnie McAllister; daughter Ruth Pierce and husband Dennis Pierce; grandson Michael McAllister and wife Kristi; granddaughter Sarah Hopkins and husband Kris; grandsons Keith and Kevin Pierce; great-grandsons Kane Hopkins and Trent McAllister, and great-granddaughter Sage Hopkins.

Mel’s family would like to extend their great appreciation to Dr. Marina Konopleva at M.D. Anderson for her expertise, care, and compassion with Mel. We also thank Victoria Sukholutsky, P.A., for her responsiveness regarding anything needed for Mel. We thank the staff of the Leukemia Fast Track, especially Nancy, who always cheered Mel up when taking his vital signs, and Cedric, who treated Mel with dignity and respect, and brightened his day at each visit. The family also thanks Mel’s wonderful home caregivers, especially Sheri, and also Aurtelia and Bessie, who took such wonderful care of him, and are now considered members of our family. Finally, we would like to thank Russ, Mel’s home nurse, who not only took excellent care of Mel, but cheered Mel and Dorothy every time he visited their home.

Visitation will be at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 4300 N. Shepherd, Houston, at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 10, with services following at 1:00 p.m. Private burial will follow at Brookside Cemetery at 13747 Eastex Freeway.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Mel’s memory to The Leukemia Department, c/o Helen Wall, Unit 428/405400 10 100103 85, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd. Houston, TX 77030-9932.

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