Rev. Eli Forsythe Loofboro, son of John W. and Susan Forsythe Loofboro, was born at Welton, Iowa, on Dec. 2, 1870. He was graduated from Milton College in 1897 and from Alfred University School of Theology in 1902. He also studied at the University of Chicago and at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. During his college years he served in Student Volunteer work during summer vacations.
He gave over forty years to the active pastorate of Seventh Day Baptist churches, beginning his pastoral work in New York City in September of 1902. He was ordained in November of the same year. In 1906, he went to Riverside, California. During this pastorate he also visited lone Sabbathkeepers in other parts of California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. He was also active in the County Sunday School Association and served as president for a time. Other churches served were Little Genesee, N. Y., from 1913-1923, Shiloh, N. J., from 1923-1931, Lost Creek, W. Va., from 1931-1942, and Waterford, Conn., from 1942 until he retired in 1945.
He also served the denomination as a member of the Tract Board while he was in New York City and as a member of the Board of Managers of the Missionary Society since 1942. Currently he was a member of the Home Field Committee.
He was married to Mary Alice St. John at Plainfield, N. J., on Sept. 10, 1907. To them were born seven children: Three sons: Kenneth S., of Cleveland, Ohio; Norman F., of Westerly, R. I.; and John Dean, of Lost Creek, W. Va.; and four daughters: Janette (Mrs. Albert Rogers) of Alfred, N. Y.; Marguerite (Mrs. W. L. Dawson), of Akron, Ohio; Jean E., of Westerly, R. I.; and Virginia (Mrs. Donald Drake), of Groton, Conn.
Since 1945, Mr. and Mrs. Loofboro have made their home with their son, Norman, and daughter, Jean, at Westerly, R. I. There he had been an enthusiastic gardener, keeping a garden that would put many younger men to shame. He had always been interested in community affairs, He was a member of the Lions Club in Lost Creek. He maintained an interest in community and national affairs throughout the years of his retirement.
He was unusually interested in his church and her activities and was nearly always in attendance at the Sabbath eve service and the worship services of the church. For a long time he taught the Men's Sabbath School Class. He took an active part on the Pastor's Advisory Board where his counsel was always appreciated. He was much interested in the Lay Development Program and was participating in the workshops until he was taken ill early in February.
He died at the Westerly Hospital after a brief illness on Feb. 26, 1960. Funeral services were conducted from the Buckler Funeral Home in Westerly on February 28 by his pastor, the Rev. Earl Cruzan, assisted by Dean Albert N. Rogers. Interment was in River Bend Cemetery.
Besides the immediate family mentioned above, he leaves 14 grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and a brother, Dr. E. B. Loofboro, of Winter Haven, Fla.
The warmth of his personality, his kindness in spirit and exemplary living have touched and influenced many lives in the long years of service he rendered. He will be greatly missed by family and friends for his life was a living witness of the power of the Christian faith in life. Rev. Earl Cruzan
