Lonnie Albert Smith

Lonnie Albert Smith was born Friday, January 19, 1962, in St. Joseph, Missouri. He was the son of Billie Gene Smith, Sr. and Beulah Marie (Engerman) Smith. Lonnie moved from Missouri to Colorado; Lebo, Kansas; and the Centropolis area in Franklin County, Kansas in 1989, where he made his home, until his death Friday, January 20, 2006, at the age of forty-four years. He attended Lebo High School with the class of 1980 and later earned a GED. He also attended Kansas University as a paralegal, studying as an attorney. Lonnie worked as a certified welder for Sponko-Skyhook from 1990 until his retirement, due to a disability, in 1996. Lonnie served in the United States Army in the late 1970's, attaining the rank of Private First Class. He was an ammunition driver, welder, and demolition expert, as well as in the special forces. He was a member of Ottawa Church of the Brethren and volunteered with the National Weather Service as a storm chaser. He also volunteered for Hope House and ECKAN, and performed maintenance work for the elderly, and welding for area farmers. Lonnie was a thoughtful, caring person, who greatly enjoyed helping others. He loved spending time with his children and visiting with his many friends. He enjoyed helping Ben and Alvin Wray on the farm, who were like brothers to Lonnie, and Rick and Brenda Smith at the dairy. He also helped build derby cars for Gary Pearson and Richard Carey. Lonnie enjoyed trips to Branson, Missouri, and liked to go hunting and fishing. On July 4, 1988, Lonnie was united in marriage with Kimberly Kay Larson in Lebo, Kansas. She preceded him in death June 9, 1992. He is also preceded in death by his father. Lonnie is survived by his mother, Beulah Smith of Williamsburg; two daughters, Michelle Smith and Ashley Smith, both of Ottawa; son, Matthew Smith of the home; three sisters, Mary Jones of Ottawa, Laura Smith of Scranton, Donna Hollon of Williamsburg; and brother, Billie G. Smith, Jr. of Centropolis. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary 10:00 AM Tuesday, January 24, 2006 with military honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 5901, Ottawa, Kansas.. IN STATE: Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Smith after 5:00 PM Sunday at the Dengel & Son Mortuary until service hour, where the family will meet with friends from 7:00 to 8:00 Monday evening. CEMETERY: Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Centropolis, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions be given to Ottawa Community Church, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, KS 66067.