Ernest Lofton of Essex, son of the late John Robert and Daisy Pitcher Lofton, was born in Gurdon, Arkansas on November 7, 1917, and passed away at his home in Essex on June 28, 2016, at the age of 98 years, 7 months and 21 days.

Ernest had lived in Essex, Missouri the past 70 years. He had worked at the Purolator plant in Dexter and was a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Grayridge. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army, received the American Defense Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal and six overseas bars.

Surviving are his wife, Rosezina Lofton of Essex; one son, Samuel Lofton of Memphis, Tennessee; two daughters & husband, Catherine & Ralph Towns and Patricia Lofton all of Memphis, Tennessee; one grandson, Patrick Lofton of Memphis, Tennessee. Other relatives and many friends also survive.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Samuel and Sherrod Lofton; and two sisters, Gladys Tolbert and Mae Lofton.

Friends may call on Tuesday, July 5, 2016, after 11 :00 a.m. at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at 12 :00 p.m. in the Watkins & Sons Chapel in Dexter, Missouri with Rev. Mack of Cairo, Illinois and Rev. Amos Hampton of Sikeston, Missouri officiating.

Interment will follow in the Missouri Veteran's Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri with full military honors. Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Dexter, Missouri is in charge of arrangements.

Watkins & Sons Funeral Service
www.watkinsfuneralhome.com