Chuck Raymond Loftin

Charles "Chuck" Raymond Loftin Sr. 84, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on August 4, 1940, in Lake Charles, Chuck lived a full life of adventure, kindness, and deep connections.

Chuck grew up surrounded by siblings and cousins, often reminiscing about running barefoot along the country roads of Pleasant Hill. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1961, spending two Christmases stationed at the Korean Demilitarized Zone. While in Korea, he reunited with his brother Bernard, also serving there. Chuck earned his GED during his Army service and was proud to have received his first "high and tight" haircut in the same chair as Elvis Presley. He also participated in snow removal for John F. Kennedy's Presidential Inauguration and received recognition directly from the President.

It was during his Army service that Chuck met the love of his life, Elaine Louise Stahl, through letters. After meeting on a blind date, they fell in love and married on October 14, 1961. In 1962, while serving in Florida during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Chuck welcomed his first child, Charles Jr., and met him shortly before being sent to Tin City, Alaska. In 1966, Chuck and Elaine celebrated the birth of their daughter, Melissa.

Chuck served in the U.S. Air Force until 1967, retiring as an Airman First Class. After his military career, he worked for 30 years as Day Foreman at Olin Chemicals in Lake Charles.

An avid outdoorsman, Chuck loved fishing and won numerous tournaments at Toledo Bend, including the Louisiana/Texas HydroSport Connection in 1984. He fished during Toledo Bend's inception in 1967 and continued fishing until his health no longer allowed him to stand in a boat. One of his greatest loves was taking his first granddaughter fishing every chance of he could.

Chuck also had a passion for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, riding to Sturgis three times and celebrating his 70th birthday with his last ride to the Black Hills. He participated in rides like the "Run for the Wall" and the "Trail of Honor" and cherished every moment on the open road.

Chuck was a man who never met a stranger and loved visiting Home Depot, Navarre Chevrolet, and Sam's Club. Known for his bright blue eyes and warm smile, he was deeply loved by everyone he met.

He was baptized in November 1973 and lived a full life of adventure, family gatherings and a love for simple joys. Chuck adored his wife Elaine, whom he lovingly called "Lainey," and their love remained the cornerstone of his life.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elaine Louise Stahl Loftin; his children, Chuck Loftin Jr. (Pam Riley Loftin) and Melissa Loftin Hardy (Blake Hardy); his granddaughters, Charla "Coley" Nicole Loftin, and Emily Ruth Loftin Metoyer (Ronald Metoyer) and their bonus son, Tim Savoie. He is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar Elijah Loftin and Luvenia Allen Loftin; his sisters, Florence Dressler, Ruth McDaniel, and brother, Bernard Loftin. Those left to cherish his memory are sisters, Mary Donaho and Millie Franklin.

 

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Johnson Funeral Home in Moss Bluff. A graveside service will follow at 3:00 PM at Spring Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery in Pleasant Hill, Louisiana. Visitation will take place on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Johnson Funeral Home in Moss Bluff and resume on Saturday morning before the service.

Chuck's legacy of love, and adventure will live on in the hearts of his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.