Donald Loftin

Donald Ray Loftin  passed from this life  at home, under the care of Penn Hospice, on August 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, PA.  with his wife and sister by his side. Don was born to the late Hody Homer Loftin and Jeanette Julia Greenwood Loftin on the naval base in Coco Solo, Panama Canal Zone, on June 17, 1946.

Don grew up in a naval family and lived in several states as a child, including North Charleston, SC, Norfolk, VA, Waukegan, Ill, and the family had several shorter term assignments.  After his father retired from the Navy, the family moved to Huntsville, Al in 1960 where Don graduated from SR Butler High School in 1964.

He graduated with the first official graduating class of the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 1968. In his later years he received a Masters Degree in software engineering from Pennsylvania State University.

After graduation from college he held a variety of positions in engineering and lived in Texas, Alabama, Virginia, New Jersey, Florida, California, and finally Pennsylvania where he retired as a Software Engineer manager from Lockheed Martin. After retirement he enjoyed a variety of contract software engineering positions including a particularly enjoyable year in San Francisco.

When he completely retired he and Linda enjoyed traveling on cruises to various European countries and the Caribbean. They  also enjoyed a trip to Cuba and spending time with family in Florida. For the final years of retirement they enjoyed living in center city, Philadelphia where they took advantage of many cultural events.

Don was influenced by Buddhism while he was in his 20’s, and he maintained his belief and his practice throughout his life. Don loved dogs, especially poodles, and he enjoyed several of them throughout the years. His last poodle Louie, loved lying beside Don during his last weeks of life.

Don is survived by his wife of nearly 20 years, the former Linda M. Davison and her children Dylan Davis and Monica Davis Lizarraga (Fernando). He is also survived by his previous spouse, Sheila Gainey Hairston and their daughter Leslie Loftin-Rider. He is survived by four grandchildren (Tabitha, Matthew, Brittany, and Hunter)  and five step-grandchildren (Lauren, James, Sebastian, Ophelia, and Camila). Don would have been delighted to meet his first great-granddaughter, Mallory Loftin, who is expected in October, 2024. He is also survived by his sister Gaye Loftin Shin, and her daughters, Danetta Shin Demos (Frank), Jenetta Shin Durand (Joe), Chandra Shin (Matthew Courtney), and Martha Nichols (Mike).

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death  by his son Larry P Loftin and his beloved cousin, Alicia Hanks. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate that donations be sent to Penn Medical Development Office, 3535 Market St, Suite 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Address checks to Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania: Melanoma Research.

A traditional Buddhist tea ceremony will be held by family in Colorado. A celebration of life memorial service will be held in late September in Philadelphia, PA.