NELA Community Honors Franklin Parish WWII Veteran Winton Loftin

MONROE, La. (KNOE) – A touching tribute took place in Winnsboro on Thursday (Sept. 5), as one of Franklin Parish’s remaining World War II veterans was honored for his service. Winton Loftin, 98, a U.S. Navy veteran, was celebrated by the Fort Necessity High School alumni group for his contributions during one of the most pivotal times in American history.

Loftin, who enlisted in the Navy at just 17 years old, served for six years. Reflecting on his service, he shared how his journey took him far beyond the borders of the small Louisiana parish where he grew up.

“I was flown out of Winnsboro, Louisiana, and ended up traveling 10,000 miles away,” Loftin recalled. “It was over two years before I was able to return home. For a guy who had never traveled anyway, it was quite an experience.”

Despite the hardships, Loftin returned to Winnsboro after the war, where he has remained an active and valued member of the community. The Fort Necessity High School alumni group, which includes Loftin among its attendees, holds monthly meetings and has made it a point to honor local veterans. Gloria Barfield, a member of the alumni group, spoke about the importance of recognizing their sacrifices.

“We want to recognize all the veterans,” Barfield said. “We’re here by the veterans cemetery, where we’ve already lost several of our members who are buried here. We love to remember our soldiers.”

Loftin and his wife, Marie, continue to dedicate themselves to service, helping to build churches across the country.

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