Austin Shane Lofland (age 29) was born on Aug. 24, 1994, in Hope, Ark., the son of Shane Lofland and Lynette Lovelis.
Austin was wrapped in the loving arms of Jesus on April 25, 2024, following a tragic vehicle accident in Ozark, Ark.
Austin graduated from Horatio, Ark., where he attended school from kindergarten to his graduation and made many lifelong friends. He was a true Horatio Lion. After graduation he attended the electrical program at the University of Arkansas Community College in Hope, Ark. Austin was currently working at Butterball where he had received special recognitions several times in the short time he worked there for his hard work and willingness to always be a helping hand to others. Prior to his work in Ozark, he spent numerous years working for David Bell, fabricating metal buildings which was a profession he excelled at and loved. David was not only his employer, he loved and cared for Austin like a son.
Austin was baptized at First Baptist Church in Horatio at an early age and was currently attending and actively serving at the Link Church in Clarksville, where he rededicated his life to Christ on Feb. 25th, 2024. Austin stood strong in his faith and walk with God. He was happiest when he was in church and when sharing God’s Word with others. During his journey of restoration and redemption his bright light touched many lives. His amazing influence has been shown in hundreds of messages, calls, and social media posts. Austin’s story does not end here, his bright light will continue to shine in all the lives and hearts he has touched.
The thing Austin loved the most was spending time with family and friends. He had a huge heart and would help anyone at any time. He had an incredibly positive attitude and you would always see a huge smile on his face. Austin could brighten anyone’s day with his fun personality and sense of humor. If that didn’t do the trick, he had a few dance moves that were sure to make anyone smile. He brightened every part of this world he touched and Heaven surely must be shining a little more with him in it.
Austin was blessed with so many important people during his short life. He had the most amazing Mamaw, Papaw, and Nana that loved him immeasurably and played a very important role in his entire life, all of which Austin loved deeply. A very important influence and part of Austin’s life was spent with Chad Dowdle who loved Austin as his own since he was two years old. Austin was also very blessed to have the unwavering love and support of Scott Lovelis.
Austin loved his entire family, but had a very special place in his heart for his Momma who was his biggest cheerleader his whole life. He talked to or messaged her daily and he never missed a chance to brag about how much he dearly loved her every chance he could. Austin’s younger days were usually always spent spending time with his dad at the races, hunting, or just “going down the lane” to see his uncles.
Austin is survived by his mother and stepfather Lynette and Scott Lovelis of Nashville; his father, Shane Lofland of Horatio; the best little brother, Zachary Dowdle; the sweetest little sister, Kayzlea. Austin was also blessed later in life with brothers Jeffrey and wife Megan along with two nephews Greyson and Huttson Lovelis: Austin and wife Bekah along with two nephews Owen and Mason Lovelis; sister Maddie Lovelis; aunts, uncles and an unbelievable number of friends.
Visitation will be Sunday, April 28 from 2 – 5 p.m. at Latimer Funeral Home in Nashville.
Funeral services will be Monday, April 29 at 10 a.m. at Latimer Funeral home in Nashville. Burial will follow in Old Center Cemetery in Horatio, Ark.
Pallbearers will be Zac Dowdle, Greg Boeckman, Matthew Lofland, Darren Lofland, Mailon Lofland, Kade Caudle, Nick Butler and Jason Barron.
Honorary pallbearers are Chad Dowdle, Peyton Boeckman, David Bell, Blake Boeckman, Jalon Frachiseur, Treyce Young and Bryce Braden.
You may send an online sympathy message at www.latimerfuneralhome.com.
