James "Archie" Loftis

Hardenville, MO

James Archie Loftis, 87, of Hardenville, MO passed to heaven on January 7, 2012 at the St. John's Hospital in Lebanon, MO. He was born January 16, 1924 in Diggins, MO to Benjamin and Iva (Howard) Loftis.


Archie was a Veteran having proudly served his country in the United States Army-Air Corp during WWII. He and Norine Smith were united in marriage on February 4, 1947 in Mountain Home, AR and to this union, six children were born. The couple moved to Hardenville, MO after he retired from Armco Steel in Kansas City, MO. Archie loved the Ozarks. He loved to fish, and then hang his "trophy" carcasses along the road in the front yard for all to admire. He was also an avid card player. Anyone who knew Archie, knows he loved to play cards, and WIN.
Archie was a Chrsitian and a member of the Gainesville Church of Christ.


He was preceded in death by his parents Benjamin and Iva Loftis; one infant daughter Betty Lou; five brothers; and one sister. Archie is survived by his wife of 64 years, Norine (Smith) Loftis, of the home in Hardenville, MO; five children, Carl Loftis and wife Chris of Vanzant, MO, Barbara Smith and husband David of Wichita, KS, Twyla Cordry of Waynesville, MO, Ron Loftis and wife Maryann of Royal Palm Beach, FL and Dennis Loftis and wife Barbara of Blue Springs, MO; 23 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; and one sister Rhoda Cromeans of Tecumseh, MO.


Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 12, 2012 in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home Chapel, Gainesville, MO with Halbert Smith officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday evening, January 11th from 5-7 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be in the Smith Chapel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gainesville Church of Christ; PO Box 7; Gainesville, MO 65655. On line condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome.com.