 Lonnie Dean White LUBBOCK-Lonnie Dean White passed into his heavenly Father's arms surrounded by his family, Friday, July 27, 2012. Lonnie was born on March 12, 1937, in Hobart, Okla., to Clyde Jack and Pauline White. He married Diane Joy Zieffler on April 12, 1958, in Las Vegas, Nev. Lonnie was a charter member of Skyline Baptist Church. He attended Lubbock High School and joined the US Army at the age of 17, was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and served as PFC with the 4th Signal Battalion Corps, Company D. He was chosen as the best ton vehicle driver in his company. Upon discharge, he met the love of his life, Diane, in California. They relocated to Hobbs, N.M., where Lonnie was part-owner in Western Wrecking, later relocating to Lubbock, Texas, where he owned and operated Lubbock Wrecker Service and Rainbow Wrecker Service. He continued ownership of Lubbock Wrecker Service for 20 years. In 1978, he was a founding member of the Towing and Recovery Association of America, where he was highly respected and remained active until 2010. In 1980, he was selected to attend the 1980 Olympics as a member of the Official U.S. Olympic Tow Team at Lake Placid, N.Y. For 42 years, he was an active member of Elks Lodge 1348, where he was Elk of the Month and made lifelong friends who remained by his side during his illness. Lonnie was an avid golfer, playing every Sunday with his buddies. He also enjoyed playing dominoes with friends and family. Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, JD McNamara. He is survived by his wife of 54 years; daughters, Penny Cleavenger (Chris), Diana Theall (Bryan), and Wendy McNamara; grandchildren, Taine and Mike Sampler, Lonnie Scott Turner, Michael Attebury, Danielle Attebury and Kirsten Theall; great-grandchildren, Lindsey Luckie, and Jordyn and Brody Attebury; and sisters, Coleen Shinn, Donna Adams, Barbara Baughcum, Jackie Merrell, Carol Ledford, Shirley Davidson, Brenda Olmstead and Cheree Martin. He had two sons of the heart, Manual Sanchez and nephew, Brad Thompson. The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to our chosen brother, John Swafford, and special friends, Scotty Taylor and Ruben Gonzalez, for their continuous support and friendship. Special thanks to grandson Lonnie Scott, for the loving care he provided Papa during the last weeks. Family and friends will gather for fellowship today, July 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Lake Ridge Chapel, 6025 82nd Street, and a service to celebrate his life of 75 years will take place on Tuesday, July 31, at 4 p.m. A tribute to Lonnie may be found at www.memorialdesigners.net. The White family suggests memorial contributions to The Elks Lodge 1348 in Lubbock, Texas.
Published in The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal from July 29 to July 30, 2012
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