Eddie Lofton

Eddie Ray Lofton, 70, was born in Tupelo, Mississippi on April 1, 1946. He was the only child born to JC & Edna Lofton. In 1964, Eddie married the love of his life Barbara McClarty. Together they had four children; Sheree, Ricki, Richard and Scott. Eddie was ordained to the minister after attending Luther Rice Seminary. He and his family toured prisons, singing for those that most people forget. He later felt the calling to ensure those trapped behind the iron curtain of communism in Europe received the word of God by risking his safety and security by delivering Bibles. He was an Associate Pastor and Pastor of churches in Chicago, Illinois and Kenosha, Wisconsin. In order to support these missions, Eddie and Barbara opened their own business. This business has supported Missions around the world, including several orphanages in India. He is survived by his wife Barbara, four children Pamela Sheree (Jim) Allstrom, Ricki Lynn (John) McCauley, Richard Edward (Nancy) Lofton, Scott Nicholas (Beth) Lofton, ten grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 16, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 3001 9th Street, Winthrop Harbor, with Pastor Major Dalton officiating. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the church. Memorial donations may be made to Door of Hope International, www.dohi.org/donate/.