Iley “Bud” Lofton, 88, of Ellery
Iley “Bud” Lofton, 88, of Ellery, Illinois passed from this life to the next on Feb. 17 at Rest Haven Manor in Albion.
Bud was born June 12, 1931 in Tolu, Ky. to Ocie Mae (Williams) and Markel Lofton. He married Judy Saxe on June 20, 1969 at the Free Methodist Church in Albion and the couple had two daughters, Lisa and Julie. Bud loved Judy dearly and she was the light of his life.
He was a Veteran of the Korean War who was honorably discharged and awarded the following: the Purple Heart, the First Oak Leaf Cluster to the Purple Heart, the Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, the United Nations Service Medal Republic of Korea Presidential, Unit Citation Badge, Marksman Badge with Carbine and Tank and Weapons Bars. Bud worked in sales for Lakeside Boat and Motors in Mount Vernon, Ill. and attended the Wesleyan Church in Fairfield. He was well-known and never met a stranger. He had an adventurous spirit and was an “avid fisherman,” which is putting it mildly.
Bud is survived by Judy, his wife of over 50 years; five daughters: Sarah Lofton, Debbie York, Charlotte Blake, Lisa R. (Ben) Shilling of Noble, Ill., and Julie (Larry) McIntosh of Princeton, Ky.; one son, Buddy (Tonia) Owens of Newburgh, Ind.; and several beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Jenny Slaton and Marie Blackstock.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home in Albion. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. with burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery in Albion. Military Honors will be performed at the funeral home by the Illinois Patriot Guard, and Military Rites will be conducted at the graveside by the Albion VFW Post 8222.
Memorials may be made to the family and envelopes will be available at the service.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com.
Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home of Albion is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.
