John Maxwell Loftin

John Loftin, DVM, age 85, died peacefully and surrounded by loved ones 11/1/2024 in Hernando, MS after a long struggle with Parkinson's disease. "Doc Loftin" or "Pop" (as he was known to his grandchildren) was a beloved veterinarian in Senatobia and Hernando for many years. After graduating from Mississippi State University in 1962, he served in the Army National Guard and then completed Veterinary School at Auburn University. He left an indelible mark on veterinary medicine and the veterinary community in Mississippi. Doc was Past President of the Mississippi Veterinary Association and was an active member throughout his long career. He received the Pegasus Award in recognition for his work to help build the Mississippi State University School of Veterinary medicine. He served as mentor and preceptor for dozens of veterinarians and vet techs at various stages of their careers. He worked closely with and beside local farmers as he raised beef cattle and pigs on his farm. He loved the work, his staff, and his clients deeply, and pushed himself to keep working despite limitations related to Parkinson's until closing his practice at the age of 84. He truly touched the lives of countless animals and owners alike, and still received sweet Christmas cards from some of his four-legged "clients" every year. He served as an elected Alderman for the city of Senatobia for 24 years, and had a role in educating many nurses in Tate and Desoto counties who took the Anatomy and Physiology course he taught for many years at Northwest Community College.
He enjoyed rooting for his beloved Mississippi State bulldogs, gardening, chewing tobacco, and watching Gunsmoke, but his greatest passion was always getting to know and visit with people. He had a lifetime collection of friends and characters from all walks of life that were all dear to him and his family. He tended to people as much as to animals, and his wicked sense of humor, compassion, integrity, and good sense made him a wonderful friend and father figure. He was a believer of second chances, and more than a few changed the trajectory of their life for the positive under his influence. He was a member of Hernando Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy Robison Loftin; daughters Lauren Henson (David) of Hernando and Kathy Kerzak (Chuck) of Morgantown, West Virginia; grandchildren Lance Yates, Oxford, Ethan Yates, Southaven, Camille Yates, Nesbit, Andrew Kerzak, Louisville, Kentucky, and Charlie Kerzak, Morgantown, West Virginia, great-grandchild Vincent Padgett (Hernando); sisters Joy Henderson, Olive Branch, Annie Maud Ray, Hernando, Mary (Les) Triplet, Flowood; brothers Billy Loftin, Guy Loftin (Mary), Alfred Davis (Peggy) all of Olive Branch; brother-in-law Mike Robison (Lola), Hernando; sisters-in-law Brenda Loftin and Laverne Loftin both of Olive Branch; many nieces, nephews and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents Dorothy and Morgan Loftin; brothers Jimmy and David Loftin, Steve and William Davis; brothers-in-law Harold Henderson and Dan Ray; sister-in-law Joan Rogers and husband John; nephew Greg Loftin.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 6, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Hernando Funeral Home. The funeral will be held on Thursday, November 7, at 11:00 a.m. at the Hernando Methodist Church.
The family requests donations in lieu of flowers be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation (give.michaeljfox.org) or charity of choice.