Tributes

Thomas Woodrow Loftin, born November 9, 1919, went to be with his Lord on December 8, 2007. He was the fifth child of William D. Loftin and Lucy Iona Loftin, with four older brothers and five younger sisters. Tommy married his lifelong sweetheart, ImogeneBrandy Lucille Brandenberger on June 1, 1942. He was an Army flight cadet and she was in nurses training, neither of which permitted their students to be married, so they eloped to Wilson County and kept their marriage secret until they both graduated. He later said that it took him years to make friends with his father-in-law after the elopement, but they became very close. He was a lifelong resident of San Antonio, growing up in the Denver Heights area and graduating from Brackenridge High School. He was an athlete in high school and attended Sul Ross College on a football scholarship. His family was very close, and he was an active organizer of a family reunion for the past twenty-five years. The Depression made times hard when he was young, and Tommy helped his family with the types of jobs that he could do. With his first good paycheck, he bought his mother a washing machine. With his second check, he bought his future bride an engagement ring, which she still wears. When WWII broke out, Tommy volunteered for military service. While waiting for entry into flight training, he began working for the Southern Pacific Railroad, and continued in that career as a conductor until his retirement in 1986. During WWII, he was a B-17 pilot and served at a number of US locations and in the European theater. After that service, he remained in the reserves and was recalled for duty during the Korean conflict. He later joined the Texas National Guard as an airplane and helicopter pilot, eventually retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He often said that he had two careers that any young boy would love-railroading and flying. He enjoyed both of these careers as much as any boy thought he might. Tommy maintained active contact with many good friends from his childhood, his days at Brackenridge, his military service, his railroading, his church and his time as a rancher in Mason County. He was active in a number of veterans organizations, and was a founding member of the Mid Thirties Alumni Association in San Antonio. He and his family were members of the Aldersgate United Methodist Church since 1952. He served in a number of leadership positions to support his church. Tommy enjoyed hunting and being in the outdoors with his family and friends. He and Brandy built a home on their ranch in Mason County, where they spent many good times with friends and relatives in the Hilda community. He loved animals, and pets were treated as full members of the family. Tommy was a loving husband, and exemplary role model as a father, and the most fun person that his grandchildren knew. His brothers and sisters and extended family always knew that Tommy was available to them to help with any need. His friendships were firm and steadfast, and his generosity was unstinting. He is survived by his wife of sixty-five years and three children, sons: George Loftin and his wife Karen of Houston, Patrick Loftin and his wife Marnee of Austin, and daughter, T.J. Mitchell of Mason County, Texas. Five grandchildren, six great grandchildren, one brother, four sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews also survive him. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Tributes

Thomas Loftin

November 9, 1919 - December 8, 2007