Walter L. "Gator" Lofton

Walter “Gator” Lewis Lofton, 51, of Tiffin, passed away in the early morning of January 18, 2026, after his long and spirited battle with cancer. Gator’s soul is surrounded by loved ones and family on his journey.

Gator was born June 10, 1974, in Tiffin. Gator was and will always be a beloved son, brother, cousin, uncle, father, husband, friend, and grandfather. He touched so many people with his profound sense of humor, charm, warmth, creativity, and his outgoing nature. Gator was a generous friend and possessed an uncanny ability to connect to just about anybody. He possessed a brilliant mind and disarming wit that would make a stranger feel at ease.

Gator is survived by his wife, Pamela Lofton, his daughters, Adriana (Mikel) Essary, Liliana Wise-Lofton, Briana Goodman, a son, Tabian Goodman, grandchildren, Zidayan and soon to be baby Essary, his mother, Jeanne Barnett, brothers, Keith Lofton, Chad (Beth) Hoover, sister, Cindy (Russell) Adornetti, Sara Steinhauser, Megan (Chris) Richards, and an extraordinary abundance of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Gator is preceded in death by his grandparents, Edna and Mervin Lofton, his father, Jack Meyers, a sister, Wendy (Gary) Miles, cousin, Amanda Criblez and his sister-in-law, Michelle Lofton.

Gator was a 1992 graduate of Tiffin Columbian High School. He spent the next 33 years working his way up at Webster Industries. Gator was also a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles for 18 years. In his free time, you could always find him working and creating various projects in his grandpa’s shop. Gator was an avid woodworker, golfer, bowler, OSU and Browns fan, classic car enthusiast, grill master, and bourbon drinker. Above all else, he took pride in being a provider, husband and father to his family.

Graveside services for Gator will be held at 11:45 a.m., Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Seneca Memory Gardens in Tiffin. Visitation for family and friends will also be held on Thursday, from 10:00 a.m., until 11:30 a.m., at Engle-Shook Funeral Home & Crematory in Tiffin.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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