[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 36 (Friday, February 24, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E140-E141]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF DANIEL MORENO LOFTON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RAUL M. GRIJALVA

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 24, 2023

  Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of 
Daniel Moreno Lofton and share this dedication by this family.
  Daniel was born into this world on October 16, 1946, in Tucson, 
Arizona, to Peter Lofton and Jane Moreno. He was the eldest of his 
siblings. Daniel was presented to the Lord at the First Apostolic 
Church of Tucson by Pastor Reyes Coronado. At the young age of 19, 
Daniel made the life-changing decision to follow Jesus. He was baptized 
by Pastor Joe Fregoso at the First Apostolic Church of Tucson.
  Soon after, he was drafted by the United States Army and served as 
Combat Medic in the Vietnam War from September 1967 through September 
1969. As a Combat Medic, he was at the frontlines, ready to render 
lifesaving aid to the wounded and, in other cases, recover the remains 
of those soldiers lost and ensure that no man was left behind. During 
his service, he received the following medals, badges, and 
commendations: National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; 
Vietnam Campaign Medal; Air Medal; Bronze Star Medal; Combat Medical 
Badge; and Army Commendation Medal. When he did speak about his 
personal experiences in the war, it was to acknowledge how the hand of 
God was upon his life and spared him from bullets as they grazed by the 
sides of his face and ears while he rendered aid or how he was kept 
safe as he traversed minefields to get to the wounded. He was always 
grateful to have made it back with no physical injuries and always made 
it a point of importance in his life to acknowledge the service of his 
fellow veterans and the sacrifice of those that did not make it back. 
Daniel continued serving as an employee of the Veterans Administration 
Hospital for 35 years until he retired.
  In 1969, Daniel met Mireya Anna Luisa Martinez at the First Apostolic 
Church in Tucson while she was visiting her cousin Pastor Gilbert 
Samano, Sr., and his family. As the friendship and love grew, they 
decided to marry, and on April 3, 1971, in the presence of their family 
and friends, they exchanged their vows and were married by Pastor Pablo 
Rodriguez at the First Apostolic Church of Compton, CA. Daniel and 
Mireya were blessed with two children, Ann Marie Lofton and Daniel 
Lofton, Jr.
  Those close to Daniel knew him for his thoughtful and caring 
personality. His kindness and unwavering willingness to serve others 
were demonstrated through his service as an ordained minister in the 
Apostolic Assembly. During his tenure, he served in many leadership 
roles in the men's auxiliary at the district, sector, and local levels. 
In addition, he was assistant pastor both in San Gabriel and Whittier, 
CA. His ministry was characterized by visiting and praying for the sick 
and elderly, utilizing the gift and calling the Lord had placed upon 
him. He had a heart for those in need, and often, he could be found 
providing a meal and a word of encouragement to brighten someone's day. 
Other times he would ask his

[[Page E141]]

wife, Anna, to pack extra sandwiches or burritos for lunch to share 
with someone he knew was in need. When one of his co-workers died with 
no next of kin, he took it upon himself to contact the Veteran's 
Administration and gather all the necessary paperwork to ensure that he 
was given a proper burial. This was typical of Daniel. Always 
compassionate; always generous.
  As often remembered by his family, when challenges presented 
themselves, a few of his favorite sayings to bring encouragement were 
``Help is on the way!'' ``Trust in Almighty God!'' and ``All things are 
possible if you only believe.'' How could one not feel better after 
hearing those words?
  As a young man growing up on the south side of Tucson, Danny attended 
Sunnyside High School, where he excelled in varsity track and field and 
cross country, winning various awards and competitions. His specialty 
was the 100-yard dash, where he went on to win the city championship. 
He also played varsity football. Daniel loved sports and enjoyed going 
to games with his family or watching them on TV with his son. His 
passion for sports would not be complete if we did not mention how much 
he enjoyed watching and rooting for the U of A Wildcats.
  Daniel loved his family. He enjoyed spending time with his mother, 
Jane, visiting his aunts and uncles, and sharing family time with his 
sisters, brothers, and cousins. He also enjoyed his visits with his 
mother-in-law, Maria Luisa, and the extended family gatherings. He 
especially enjoyed his time with his wife and children. Family dinners, 
traveling, historical sites, and church events were happily spent 
together.
  On January 23, 2023, Daniel entered into his rest surrounded by his 
wife and son. Until we meet again, dear husband, father, brother, and 
friend, you will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.
  Daniel was predeceased by his daughter, Ann Marie Lofton-Arce, as 
well as his brothers, David and Jesse. He is survived by his wife of 51 
years, Mireya Anna Lofton; his son Daniel M. Lofton, Jr.; daughter-in-
law, Angelica T. Lofton; and grandson, Zachary Arce. He is also 
survived by his sister, Lydia; stepsisters, Esther, Sylvia, Lourdes, 
Dolores, Alice, Rosemary and Emma; and stepbrothers, Michael and 
Arthur.

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