Lonnie Wilson

Lonnie Gene Wilson, age 74, of Lamar, Missouri, passed away Saturday, April 15, 2017, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin following a long illness.      Lonnie was born November 4, 1942, in Sheldon, Missouri, to William and Lillie (Dockery) Wilson.  He attended Valley Rural School, graduated from Lamar High School in 1960, and served in the Army National Guard until honorably discharged in 1966.  On May 26, 1963, Lonnie married Helen Marie Beavers and they made their home and raised their family in Lamar.       In addition to his 30-year career laying carpet, Lonnie had worked at Thorco for 13 years.  After retiring, he had more time to enjoy with his family and his favorite pastimes.  He was a naturally gifted musician and self-taught guitarist, playing with his family and others occasionally at dances.  An avid outdoorsman, Lonnie loved hunting, fishing, and bird-watching.  Each spring was filled with great anticipation for the return of “his” bluebirds to raise their babies in the houses he always had ready for them.  Lonnie and Helen were known and appreciated for the grapes and large gardens they grew and shared.  Always a Lamar Tiger fan, Lonnie attended every game as long as his health permitted and listened on the radio when he couldn’t be at the stadium.       Survivors include Helen, of the home; his children, Lonna (Jimmy) Jackson, Lamar; Dawna (Troy) Holzbach, Lamar,  Melinda Paynter, Carthage, and Todd Wilson, Lamar; grandchildren, Jeremy VanGilder, Dustin Jackson, Taylor Jackson, Jakob Holzbach, Keaton Holzbach, Alexis Paynter, Hayden Paynter, Macy Wilson and Trenton Wilson; great-grandchildren, Lillian and Natalie VanGilder; sisters, Maxine (Leo) Cox, Lamar, and Darlene Logan, Miller, Missouri; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a large extended family.      Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Gerald as well as an infant sister and brother, an infant son, Kevin Gene; two grandsons, Ryan VanGilder and Bradley VanGilder.      Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 19th at Daniel Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday.  Burial will be in St. James Cemetery, northeast of Milford, Missouri.      Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Lung Association, in care of the funeral home.