Robert Lavon Loflin

On the 8th day in the 8th hour of January 2017, Robert Lavon Loflin completed his purpose on this earth and commenced a beginning with God Himself. Without pain or struggle, he closed his eyes in this world and opened them in heaven with his Savior.

Robert Lavon Loflin's life began on November 20, 1944 in the sweet, southern town of Carson, Mississippi. His birth to Ike and Rosie Loflin was a miracle from God, as they had a son before him who passed at nine months of age and later delivered stillborn quadruplets. At Robert's birth, his mother prayed and gave him back to the Lord asking God to allow Robert to live and walk with the Lord. Her prayers were answered, and at a young age, Sonny (as Robert's family affectionately called him) accepted Christ Jesus in his life at Hollisday Creek Baptist Church in Carson, Mississippi. With the seed of God firmly planted in his life, Sonny began his education attending Carver Elementary School and continued through his graduation from his beloved Carver High School in 1963. After graduating high school, Sonny left the comfort of his parent's home and Carson to begin his college matriculation at Mississippi Industrial College, or M.I. as he simply called it, in Holly Springs, Mississippi.

After two years at M.I., Sonny planned to return home to Carson to help his parents, but God had a divine plan in play. During his return to Carson, Sonny heard about a house up on Highway 84 with "all these sisters." Sonny and his friends decided to go see this house and all these sisters for themselves. On that day he met a 17-year-old young lady named Fleeta McGowan. Sonny said he knew when he met Fleeta he would marry her. One year later on April 10, 1966 he married the love of his life. When Sonny married Fleeta, he was no longer an only child, but a brother to her 14 brothers and sisters, uncle to a host of nieces and nephews, and son to Jack and Willie V. McGowan; Ms. Willie V. who he said he loved like his own mother.

Robert built a beautiful life full of love, laughter, passion, protection, and adventure with Fleeta. From their love, Robert and Fleeta raised three wonderful daughters. Robert's first baby was Kimberly T. Loflin, who he loved and protected all of his life; calling Kimberly the very image and personality of his father, Ike, whom he loved dearly. Leaving his small family to work on "the coast" in Pascagoula, Mississippi at Ingalls Shipyard he then began his career as a welder. In 1969, Robert made the decision to relocate his family to Duarte, California where he continued his career as a master certified wire and tig welder with Kaiser Steel for 20 years. In California, Robert joined in fellowship with New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church where he grew in his walk with Christ, became a deacon, and served as a respected trustee member during his 23 year membership. In 1972, Robert and Fleeta welcomed their second daughter, Carletta M. Loflin. He and Carletta shared a special bond, and she referred to
"her daddy" as her best friend. Throughout his life, Robert and Carletta spoke daily and he would share with her Bible stories and words of wisdom. Five years later, Robert and Fleeta welcomed their baby girl, Shana S. Loflin, with whom Robert shared his love of sports, politics, and debate. With all his girls, and his nephews Clifton Glynn Graves and Brandon Lavon Bennett; as well as his segregate children Christina "Hello" Kilgore, Esperanza Kilgore, Jesse Kilgore, Eugene Furnace and Keith Morriesette whom he loved as sons and daughters, Robert shared the love of God and raised them in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

In 1990, Robert and Fleeta purchased their first home and relocated their family to Moreno Valley, California. Upon leaving Kaiser Steel, Robert became a welding instructor at Pasadena City College and worked with several studios building sets and back lots. Although, he never truly gave up his passion for welding, "Big Bob" pursued a new entrepreneurial endeavor. With his wife Fleeta acting as his business manager, Robert owned and operated R.L. Trucking for 15 years until his health no longer allowed him to continue. Not ready to retire, Robert channeled his love for cars into a knack for selling them before he fully retired in 2006.

In 2000, Robert and Fleeta joined in fellowship with Park Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, where he remained a faithful and active member until the Lord called him home. During Robert's time at Park Avenue, one of his dreams was fulfilled. In 2012, he answered the call of the Lord to the Gospel Ministry. Robert said he ran from his ministerial calling for years, but could no longer run. He preached his first sermon on a Sunday afternoon, and immediately following was confirmed Minister Robert L. Loflin. Earlier in the same year, 2012, Robert saw another dream fulfilled with the birth of his only "grandbaby", Carrington Ari Delya Loflin Brown. The bond between "Care Bear" and her "Pops" was special and unique. He taught her everything he could, and you could sometimes find them talking like two old friends.

Known for his style, ability to tell a story, never meeting a stranger, and his undying love for God, his wife, and his girls, Robert established a legacy worthy of double honor. His father, father-in-law, mother-in-law, and two grandsons preceded him in death. Robert leaves to celebrate him his wife, three daughters, granddaughter, mother, sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, cousins, nephews, nieces, and a host of families, friends, and neighbors he greatly impacted.