Vernon Harold Loftin was born in Nogales Prairie, Texas to William Fletcher Loftin and Vertie Evelyn Hathorn Loftin. He attended the rural schoolhouse in Chita until 1937 when the small school was annexed by Groveton. He loved football and tried to fail his Senior year to continue playing. He was sometimes called upon to operate the school bus from the Chita/Carlisle community to Groveton before licenses were ever issued. He graduated from Groveton in 1948.

Vernon entered the United States Army in July, 1951. He fought in the Korean War and was part of the atomic bomb testing. While in the Army, Vernon began his bookkeeping/auditing career, which would serve him throughout his life. He was honorably discharged in June, 1954.

After his time in the Army, Vernon married Gerry Dodgen and had three (3) children. He enjoyed square dancing and became a member of the Order of Freemasons. He served the Masons faithfully for many years, receiving his fifty (50) year pin in 2006. Vernon was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Groveton, Texas.

In June of 1985, Vernon married Ruby Ogden Black Loftin and inherited a large family. He continued working and supporting his family until his retirement from the Polk County Auditor's Office. He was also a faithful servant to God and an active member of Pine Forest Baptist Church.

Vernon passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Father's Day, June 21, 2020. He received the best gift ever; no more pain, no more dialysis, no more missing Ms. Ruby. He was one of only a few real gentlemen left. He will forever be remembered as a great man; honest, hard-working, family oriented, and God-fearing. If Vernon could speak to us now, he would want each of us to know how important having a relationship with Jesus Christ is in our lives. This is a reflection of how he lived his life and the legacy he leaves.

Vernon is survived by son, John Loftin of Covington, Virginia; son, Eddy Black of Onalaska, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Kathy & Clark Lott of Onalaska, Texas; son and daughter-in-law, Ricky & Tina Black of Onalaska, Texas; daughter, Renee Mastin of Livingston, Texas; daughter & son-in-law, Rhonda & Walter Woods of Soda, Texas; daughter & fiance, Robin Black & James Arnett of Livingston, Texas. Granddaughters:  Dana Ducote of Kemah, Texas; Terri Robbins of New Caney, Texas; Nickole Lott of Austin, Texas; Julie Black of Livingston, Texas; Samantha Harris & husband Jason of Livingston, Texas; Annie Woods of Livingston, Texas; and Madison Sory of Livingston, Texas. Grandsons: Owen Lott of Onalaska, Texas; Rick Black of Onalaska, Texas; Hunter Black of Onalaska, Texas; and Haden Hathorn USMC. Vernon has ten (10) great grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Jean Wright of Wimberly, Texas and a brother, Royal Loftin of Pearland, Texas, and numerous other relatives and friends.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents W.F. & Vertie; his wife, Ruby; daughter, Polly Loftin; son, Russell Loftin; daughter-in-law, Relda Black; grandson, Justin "Pudd" Cobb; sister, Leba Griswold; brother-in-law, Ralph Wright; sister-in-law, Carolyn Loftin.

Pallbearers: Ryan Wright, Ronnie Loftin, Walter Woods, James Arnett, Jason Harris and Jack Rowland.

Honorary Pallbearers: Willie Whitehead, Gerald Bloomfeld, Pine Forest Baptist Church Members and DaVita Dialysis Team.

In lieu of flowers, please make a monetary donation to Shriner's Hospital or the Wounded Warriors Project in memory of Vernon.

Visitation will be Tuesday, June 23 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Cochran's Funeral Home in Livingston, Texas. Services will be Wednesday, June 24 at 10:00 AM at same location with internment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery in Onalaska, Texas.