Kenneth Charles “Ken” Loftus of Hermiston passed away in the early hours of Dec. 28, 2023 in Hermiston at the age of 87.
He was born on July 30, 1936 in Joseph to Bob and Edna Loftus.
He spent his early years in Imnaha trapping, fishing and climbing the rimrock with his brother and sister. At the age of 11, he began working as a ranch hand for his uncle who taught him to herd cattle, bale hay and sing cowboy songs, all while attending school and tending to his chores at home.
He graduated from Joseph High School and immediately enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17. He spent the bulk of his time in the Navy as a machinist’s mate aboard the U.S.S. Regulus (AF-57) operating and maintaining the ship’s engines. During his time on the Regulus, Ken traveled from Sasebo, Japan as the ship replenished units of the United States Seventh Fleet at sea and in ports throughout Japan, the Philippines and Indochina. While he was in the Navy for only three years, Ken regaled his family and friends with stories of his time in the military: buying a house in Sasebo, surviving a typhoon with waves so high that the ship was almost laid on its side, and replenishing the ships that were evacuating the French from Indochina.
After leaving the Navy in 1957, Ken returned to Wallowa County where he married Moonyeen Spears. In 1968 Ken and his family left Enterprise and traveled west, as he worked construction in support of building the highway, before finally settling in Hermiston where he spent the remainder of his days. While Ken worked long hours as a crusher operator and manager at Pendleton Ready Mix for most of his life, he always found time for his family and the activities he loved.
Ken loved and respected the outdoors and spent most of his adult life teaching his children and grandchildren how to do the same, whether it was hunting,
fishing, gardening, or even swinging outside on the tire swing. He returned to Imnaha every chance he got. Ken loved spending time with his family there, swimming and floating the river, visiting the Imnaha store and, of course, scoping for deer or elk. While at home in Hermiston, he always made time to rough house on the living room floor with his grandchildren, play cards, and sing songs.
Ken could strike up a conversation with anyone and made friends wherever he went. He could fix anything – roofs, cars, wiring, fencing. If someone in his family needed help, they could always call Ken.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Moonyeen Spears; his children, Don Loftus, Krista Horning, Lela Loftus, and Gary (Karen) Loftus; eight grandchildren, Brenda, Dawn, Jodee, Amanda, Kim, Ashlee, Holly and Kendall; 12 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Ken was preceded in death by his brother, Robert “Bobby” Loftus; sister, Bessie Roane; son, Greg Loftus; and grandson, Kristopher Horning.
The world is a better place because of Ken’s time in it. The joy and love he shared with those around him will never be forgotten.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024 at 1 p.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston.
Burial with military honors at the Enterprise Cemetery will be announced at a later date.
Please share memories of Ken with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
