Lonnie William Armstrong Oct. 25, 1954 - May 14, 2014 SOUTH BEND - Lonnie William Armstrong, age 59, cruised on to the gates of Heaven at 7:07 am May 14, 2014, with baffles blaring, following complications from respiratory issues. Lonnie was born in Mishawaka, Indiana, on October 25, 1954, to Ronald William and Margie (Kedik) Armstrong. He was the third of six children born to that union. Lonnie graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1974, and served his country honorably in the Army National Guard. On May 3, 1980, at Epworth United Methodist Church in South Bend, Lonnie was united in Holy Matrimony to Gail Margaret (Stam) Armstrong. Gail survives along with his siblings, Sharon Burns of Mishawaka, Barbara (Joseph) Pinion of El Paso, Texas, Nancy Enders of Lakeville, Anna (Stephen) Gill of Mishawaka and Danny (Robyn) Armstrong of Live Oak, Texas. Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Viola Stam of South Bend; brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert (Dianne) Stam of Gilby, North Dakota, and Jacqueline (Richard) Stanage of Three Oaks, Michigan; Chloe, his "dog child," and Kayo, his "cat child." Lonnie was also known as "the other Dad" to his "sons," Daniel (Cassandra) Pletcher and Jimmy (Carol) McClanahan. He was lovingly referred to by his grandchildren, Ryan, Rily, and Rory Pletcher, as "Grumple." He and Gail seemed to find new friends everywhere they traveled. Their many nieces and nephews include: Travis Pinion, Heather Harris, Shawn Pinion, Neal Sabade, Tammy Lausman, Tony Thomas, Tina McCollough, Todd Vaughn, Stephanie Gunter, Courtney Gill, Aaron, Clint and Sarah Armstrong, Joshua Arnold, Jennifer Stam Stangl, Rebecca Durham and Sarah Stam. Lonnie retired from the Indiana Department of Transportation - LaPorte District and also from the Indiana Toll Road District, prior to owning his own business, G&L Lawn Care. In the 80's he worked for his parents at Ron's Garage in Osceola. He worked for several home improvement service companies and was a certified auto mechanic, working at several businesses throughout the Michiana area. He described himself as a "Jack of all trades, and Master of none." He was also affiliated with the American Legion Post #303, the International Vulcan Riders and Owners Club (VROC), Great Lakes Chapter of VROC, the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) and ROK (Riders of Kawasaki). During his life, Lonnie was always there to lend a hand to those who asked. Whether it meant changing a tire for a sister-in-law, guiding one of his sons through a project or repair, building an addition for his parents, helping rebuild Mom Stam's roof or front porch, or sharpening a blade for someone's mower, one knew they could always call on him. Lonnie and Gail had a passion for traveling our great land, visiting 39 of the states on their 2002 Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad. He also enjoyed the great friendships he and Gail made in their travels. He also shared a passion for the lake and the water, and recently joined the "Lakeside Family Yacht Club," having recently purchased a new boat. They found their newfound passion last summer, and by fall, the new lake family said it was as though they had been at the lake with them forever; there were certainly no longer any strangers among that new found family. Visitation will be held from 2-6 pm Sunday, May 18, 2014, at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola. A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 am Monday, May 19, 2014, at Chapel Hill Funeral Home with interment to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Lonnie lived and loved life. A testimony to that was how he did not know many strangers, because once he met you, you know you had found a really great friend and that he would be there until the end! How can one put into words someone's lifetime achievements, and what they mean to you? How can one tell a lifetime in just a few words? How can one have it understood to those who never had the pleasure of being a part of his life? All that can be said is, those who knew and loved him, won't easily forget him. For his loving wife of 34 years, it is difficult to grasp how quickly lives can change, how important it is to do the things you want to do, and keep them logged in your mind and heart to carry with you. Recently, Lonnie and Gail spent a vacation together enjoying their boat, and just being together, making plans for the summers to come. Lonnie's love for Gail, his Mom, their family and extended family made his life an interesting ride. He and Gail were a unit of strength, an example of what that marriage commitment, 34 years ago, meant to them. A love like this never dies. Lonnie is just spreading it further into the Heavens, making a way for those who long to see him again. To leave a condolence for the Armstrong family or light a virtual candle in his memory, please visit our website at www.chapelhillmemorial.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 20, 2014
Nancy Raszkowski-Crumley
To his Mom, sisters, brothers, daughters and wife, Gail, and to his many extended family and friends, so sorry for your loss of your love one
May 19, 2014
Carolyn Thomas
Gail, my heart goes out to you.
May 19, 2014
Caolyn Thomas
I'm sorry for your loss. He will be missed.
May 18, 2014
Holly Merriman
Gail . I am sorry for your loss. Lonnie was a great man. Funny personable, loyal, honest and a great friend working with him all those years.. He will be truly missed.
May 16, 2014
Zent Family
Wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. Lonnie was such a sweet guy. Gail, I'm so sorry for your loss. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
May 16, 2014
Marti Smith
So sorry to learn of your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you Gail.
May 16, 2014
Barb Patterson
Gail, our heart goes out to you. So sorry to hear of Lonnie,s passing. Love you,
Barb & Jim Patterson
May 16, 2014
Dan and Patti Tregoning
Gail-the small amount of time we have known Lonnie and you has truly touched our lives. The "yacht club" will not be the same. We wish you comfort during this time....and please let us know if we can help you in any way!
May 16, 2014
Gail, I am so sorry to hear of Lonnie's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong, it's what Lonnie would want. He is watching over you from the Heavens. He was a good man and a hard worker.
May God Bless You.
Dennis & Rachel Piechocki
Port St Lucie, Florida
May 16, 2014
Gail and Family, our deepest condolences at this sorrowful time. May God give you strength and love in the days ahead. James and Tina Brush
May 16, 2014
Roberta
Gail, Thinking of you and holding you close in prayer. I feel I got to know Lonnie through you up at the hospital. I will remember you both!
May 16, 2014
Joan Dorn
I was surprised to read of Lonnie's passing. Keep strong, it never gets easier but God gives us the time to heal.
May 16, 2014
Linda Vervaet
Gail, thinking of you during this awful time. I am hoping that the wonderful memories of the years that you and Lonnie spent together will sometime and somehow heal your broken heart.
May 16, 2014
Julie Stachowicz
Gail and family, I am truly saddened to hear about Lonnie's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Julie
May 16, 2014
Sally Hasty
May 16, 2014
Dennis Stangl
So sorry for your loss, Love, Dennis, Jen, Madeline & Noah
May 16, 2014
Cindy Jewell
Gail, Marge & family, We are so sorry to hear about Lonnie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Cindy & Glen Jewell
May 16, 2014
Andrea Edholm
Gail & Family
I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
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