John Loftin (Tulia)

John Loftin, 82, of Amarillo passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, August 25, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Tulia. Arrangements are under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Kornerstone Directors in Tulia.

John David Loftin was born on January 5, 1943, in Tulia to the loving parents Vernon and Mildred (Hardy) Loftin. A proud graduate of Tulia High School, completing his studies in 1961, John laid the foundation for a remarkable journey of learning and growth. He went on to pursue higher education playing basketball at Texas Tech University, and later graduating from West Texas State college, where he earned his bachelor's degree, followed by a master's degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. In a beautiful union, he married Patti Lynn Harness, and together they shared a life filled with love and common pursuits. John's heart always found its rhythm in coaching, a calling that defined his career and touched the lives of countless young athletes.

 He dedicated nearly four decades of his life to coaching, which began Sunray, Texas in 1969. From there John would continue his high school coaching career in Claude, Texas, where his steadfast dedication led the basketball team to two State Titles in 1971 and 1972. His coaching expertise took him to Matador, Idalou, and Calallen, before moving to the college sidelines at Murray State University. From there, he became the head women’s basketball coach at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where he built one of the most successful programs in the nation. Over 19 seasons, he guided the Lady Bulldogs to an incredible 499–99 record and five NAIA National Championships, establishing SWOSU as a powerhouse in women’s basketball. His teams made 14 national tournament appearances, that included 10 Final Four appearances and one national runner-up. After retiring from SWOSU, he would move back to Texas to work on staff at Midland College and ended his career as the Head Girls Basketball Coach at Midland High School. Overall, Coach Loftin coached 23 All-Americans, including 11 first-team all-Americans, and 1 high school All-American, and won 869 basketball games in his career. John's legacy extends far beyond his wins. 

Throughout his career, he embraced every moment, earning numerous accolades, including his induction into the Tulia High School Hall of Fame, the Texas Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame, the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Hall of Fame, and the NAIA Hall of Fame. These honors stand testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence and mentorship.Beyond sports, John had a vibrant spirit that shone brightly through his passions. He loved playing his guitar and sharing melodies at the Senior Citizens Center, bringing joy and warmth to their days. His creative soul found expression in painting and nurturing a beautiful garden, where he found peace and inspiration.

 He is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Mildred Loftin.

 He is survived by his wife, Patti Loftin; his daughter, Heather Loftin Neeley and husband Warren Perkins of Amarillo; his son, Kevin Loftin of Corpus Christi; his step-daughter, Mikka Clear and husband Gregg of Amarillo; his sister, Carol Nicholson of Olton; his grandchildren, Taylor Neeley, Dalton Clear and wife Mallorie, Payton Clear and wife Sofia, and Kenton Clear and wife Autumn; and two great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the John Loftin Endowment for Women’s Basketball at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.