Lonnie Ira Jones, Sr.

Lonnie Ira Jones Sr., 73, of Evansville, returned to the loving arms of the Lord on Thursday, June 8th, 2023, following a brief illness.

He was born on August 7, 1949, in Kankakee, Illinois. He was the second of five children born to Mary (Rennick) Jones and Carl Ira Jones.

At the age of only 18, Lonnie enlisted in the Army and was sent to war in Vietnam. He was a member of the First Logistical Command, 64th Transportation Company. Lonnie served one tour from the fall of 1968 to the fall of 1969 and was stationed in Pleiku.

Shortly after returning from his tour of duty, he met the love of his life, Shirley Jones, on a blind date. They were married January 10, 1970, in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Lonnie and Shirley went on to have three children, Lisa in 1971, Becky in 1976, and Lonnie Jr. in 1978. Life wasn't always easy for them, but they faced everything together as a family.

Lonnie was a hard worker who preferred to work with his hands and worked in many positions as a laborer. He worked in Illinois at John Deere and Crown, Cork & Seal, and in Arkansas at Trailers Incorporated and Ranger Boats. Shortly after moving to Wyoming, he was approved for 100% service-related disability and made Wyoming his home for the rest of his life. He enjoyed spending time hunting, fishing, and cooking on the grill.

Family was always important to Lonnie, and he became "Dad" and "Papa Jones" to many. He was always the center of trouble and shenanigans and loved sharing his instantaneous wit, colorful sense of humor, and terribly inappropriate rhymes with anyone who would listen. He was someone all the grandbabies looked up to and the source where many of them learned their first swear words. He was always proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His most frequent piece of advice, "just pray about it" will continue to be the best advice any of us could ever receive.

Lonnie is survived by his wife and soulmate of 53 years, Shirley, his daughter Lisa (Buddy) Alexander, daughter Rebecca (Phillip) Murray, brothers Russell Jones and George Jones of Wyoming and sisters, Mary (Rick) Jackson of Illinois and Janice Neel of Arkansas. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren: Adriana Alexander, Amanda Alexander, Nathanial Gregory, Jesse Jensen, Kaici Jensen, Kyler Porter, McKenzie Jones, and Liam Jones and ten great grandchildren: Jayden, Nevaeh, Abel, Delilah, Kendrick, Nayelli, Taivyn, Echo, RoseMarie, and Mavrick. We would be remiss if we didn't include the "brotherhood", Brian Jensen, Justin (Sam) Phillips, Steve (Holli) Mann, and Eric (Sarah) Kraft, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Lonnie was preceded in death by both of his parents, numerous aunts and uncles, and his cherished son, Lonnie Ira Jones Jr.

A viewing will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home from 4pm to 6pm Wednesday, June 14th. Military services will be held at Oregon Trail Veteran's Cemetery Tuesday, June 20th at 11:00 am.

Arrangements are under the direction of Newcomer Casper. To leave the family a special message, please select the "Share Memories" option.