Phillip Loftus

Phillip “Earl” Loftus, 84, of Orem, UT, passed away peacefully at his home of 49 years with his daughters at his side, 27 May 2022. He was born the 4th of 8 children in the family home in Moore, ID  to James “Elmer” Loftus and Ellen Rebecca King on 17 July 1937. On 20 Jan 1956, he married the one great love of his life Janene Marler, with whom he is now reunited.

Earl grew up in a very small town where he lettered in boxing, baseball, basketball, and football and edited the high school newspaper. He met Janene when she came to work at the nuclear site in Arco, Idaho. They married after a whirlwind romance of 2 weeks and Basic Training.

He served our country for 21 years in the U.S. Army. His assignments included: 2 tours in Germany, 1 year in Korea, and a 1 year tour in Vietnam where he earned a bronze star. He ended his Army career supporting the ROTC unit at BYU where he also coached the small bore rifle team. After retiring he eventually returned to school earning his Associate Degree in HVAC and started a business with his partner and friend Randy Farnworth. He retired again in 2002 and later served a LDS service mission with Janene at the Lindon cannery. In his retirement Dad enjoyed making cookies for all who would eat them. He turned into an avid gardener and was a sucker for a pretty flower. He became famous for the many types of tomatoes and vegetables that he shared throughout the neighborhood. There was always a book by his chair and he spent many hours researching his ancestry and indexing names. His love for his family was more than he could say.

Earl was the father of 9 children, 49 grandchildren, and 49 great grandchildren. Earl is survived by 7 children, Johnny (Janet), Janet (Eldon), Kenneth (Tracey), James (Becky), Allen (Jenny), Ellen-Ora (Russell), Rick (Susan).  He is preceded in death by 2 sons, Richard Earl and Casey Dean, 2 grandsons, Steve Arthur, Derrick Barnes, and his beloved Janene.

We would like to thank Roy, Missy, Caitlyn, Brian, and Peggy for the loving care of Dad.

There will be a viewing for family and friends Wednesday, June 8th from 6-8 pm at Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary located at 495 S State Street, Orem, Utah.  Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 9th at 11:00 am at the LDS church, 158 East 1100 South Orem, Utah with a viewing beforehand from 9:30-10:30 am.  He will be laid to rest with military honors at the Orem City Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.

For those unable to attend, you may view the Services HERE

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