Gene Loftis, 82

A graveside funeral service for Gene Loftis, 82, of Gainesville, was held Aug. 2, 2022, at the Sanders Cemetery with Gale Wooten and Jimmy Kyle officiating. 

He died July 31, at his residence. He was born July 25, 1940, in Theodosia, to Clifford and Ola (Johnson) Loftis.

Gene was a life-long resident of Ozark County. 

As a young man, Gene raised his oldest two children, Brian and Angie, while living and working on the chicken farm near Hardenville. 

He worked for a short time at MarBax Shirt Factory before going to work at Baxter Lab (Baxter Healthcare) in Mountain Home, Arkansas. He retired from Baxter after 27 years. 

After his retirement, Gene got bored and returned to the workforce, this time spending a couple years at Giles & Kendall in Gainesville. 

In his spare time, Gene loved fishing, camping and spending time with his grandchildren. 

He was loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Frances (Walrath) Loftis of the home in Gainesville; children Summer Loftis Luna and fiancé Tommy Pettit of Isabella, James Tabor and wife Susan of Gainesville, Hazel Boyer and husband Mel of Gassville, Arkansas, Angie Tabor of Gainesville; grandchildren Kandace Newton of Dora, Deric Luna of Gainesville, Lucas Luna of Gainesville, David Connel of Gainesville, Nick Stephens of Mountain Home, Arkansas, Alex Slowtalker of Springfield, Allison Slowtalker of Springfield, Toby Hudson of Gainesville, Devon Tabor of Gainesville, Tyler Tabor of Gilroy, California, and Logan Hudson of Gainesville; great grandchildren Shelby Smith, Conner Pierce, Jackson Smith, Brier Smith, Tyson Tabor and Lakelynn Hudson; one brother Paul Loftis and wife Peggy of Gainesville; one sister Bonnie Sisney of Gainesville.

He was preceded in death his parents Clifford and Ola Loftis; son Brian Loftis; daughter Angie Loftis Newton; son-in-law Kevin Newton; brother Elza Loftis; sister Shirley Sims; and granddaughter Dusty Pierce.

 Memorial contributions may be made to Sanders Cemetery. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville.