H.R. "Sonnie" Loftis, 84

H.R. “Sonnie” Loftis, 84, of Gainesville, Mo., passed away at his home with his family by his side on March 15, 2013. Sonnie was born on March 9, 1929 in Barren Fork, Mo., to Frank and Laura (Lane) Loftis.
On Aug. 10, 1949, he and Freda Friend were united in marriage and to this union two children were born, Cecil and Nancy. Sonnie drove a school bus and milked cows and loved his farm which was designated a Century Farm a few years ago, of which he was very proud. He assisted in the construction of Theodosia Hills then going to work at Bryant Plastics until his retirement.
He enjoyed his children and watching the grandchildren grow. He was known to all the kids as the “candy man” because he always had candy for them when they came to visit. He got great joy from the smile on their faces.
He was a member of the Barren Fork Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Freda; two children, Cecil Loftis and wife, Katherine; Nancy Steele and significant other, Kenneth Pickett; four grandchildren Brad Loftis and wife, Jenice, Brian Loftis and wife, April, Matt Woodward and finance, Holly, and Heather Coyle and husband, Steve. He is also survived by the highlights of his life, his great-grandchildren, Dakota, Dalton, Dylan, Zyler, Whitley, Austin, Anjel, Evan, Jacinda, Makinna, Dryden, Breanna, Andee, Mahali and Gracie.
He was preceded in death by five sisters, Velma Lyons, Ruth Lyons, Susie Fugate, Verna Alley and Beulah Johnson; and two brothers Olin and Guy Loftis.
Funeral services for Sonnie were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, 2013, in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home chapel in Gainesville, Mo. Burial was in the Loftis Cemetery. Visitation was Wednesday afternoon from 1 p.m. to service time at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to: National Kidney Foundation, Fair Haven Children’s Home, or the giver’s choice.
Online condolences may be made to http://www.clinkingbeard funeralhome.com.