Alonzo Dickens

Alonzo Dickens, affectionately known to many as "Lonnie" peacefully passed away on April 2, 2026. He was born on June 21, 1955, in Gary, Indiana, as the second born child of Charlie James and Magnolia Dickens.
Alonzo was raised in Gary, Indiana, where faith and family were foundational parts of his upbringing. He was nurtured in the church from an early age, influenced by the strong spiritual example of his father, who faithfully served as a deacon. Later in life, Alonzo continued that legacy of faith by recommitting himself to the church and serving as a deacon, reflecting his devotion to God and his desire to serve others.
He attended West Side High School and graduated in 1973. A gifted athlete, Alonzo earned recognition as an All-Star baseball player and actively participated in the ROTC program. His talent on the baseball field led to a professional tryout opportunity with the Chicago White Sox organization; however, an injury brought his athletic career to an unexpected close.
Following high school, Alonzo began his professional career at GATX Corporation in Gary, Indiana, before later building a dedicated career with the Indiana American Water Company, where he faithfully worked for 20 years until his early retirement.
Alonzo's love for music and people led him to become a popular DJ throughout Gary and the Calumet Region, where he was widely known as "Little Lovin' Lonnie." Through music, he brought joy, celebration, and connection to countless gatherings and events within the community.
A passionate supporter of youth development, Alonzo also devoted many years to coaching Gary Youth Baseball from the 1980s through the early 2000s. He took pride in mentoring young athletes, teaching teamwork, discipline, and confidence both on and off the field.
Bowling was another great love in Alonzo's life, and it was also where he found lasting love. Lonnie and Ann were married for 26 years, sharing a bond rooted in friendship, laughter, and companionship. The two first met at a bowling alley in Tri-City, where Ann often visited while Lonnie bowled in a league. As Ann searched for a bowling ball, Lonnie playfully tried to flirt by telling her she didn't know what she was doing. Without missing a beat, Ann replied that he should buy her a ball then. True to his word, the next time they saw each other, Lonnie surprised her with a brand-new bowling ball. The beginning of a love story as perfect as the many bowling tournament victories and 300 games he bowled.
Outside of his professional life, fishing was another lifelong passion that connected him deeply to family and tradition. He first learned to fish alongside his father during his youth, and later continued that tradition by taking his daughters fishing, creating cherished memories filled with laughter, patience, and bonding by the water. He also enjoyed traveling and experiencing new places, including a memorable trip to Bangkok, Thailand, in 2023. Above all, he valued his roles as a loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend.
Alonzo shared a deeply loving bond with his only sister, Patricia Dickens-Johnson, who would affectionately call him "Baby Bird," a name that reflected the special connection and lifelong love they shared.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Charlie James and Magnolia Dickens; only son, Alonzo Jr.; and his granddaughter, Savannah.
Alonzo leaves to cherish his memory to his devoted wife, Andrea Dickens; his beloved sister, Patricia Dickens-Johnson; and his children, Samantha, Alexandria, Asia (Edward), Ashley (Brian), Stephanie (Shawn), Adrienne, and Nathan (Arnisha).
He also leaves behind his treasured grandchildren: Matthew, Jakolie, Jadah, Bobby, Alexander, Naomi, Edward IV, Xerxes, Kedar, Nalah, Kymani, Kamare, Amare, Kamri, and Nathan Jr.; great-granddaughter, Nayloni; his nephew, Quentin Johnson; along with a host of extended family members, friends, and loved ones whose lives were touched by his presence.
Alonzo's legacy lives on through the love he shared, the music he played, the faith he carried, and the memories he created with those who knew him best.
Visitation, Monday April 13, 2026 from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. with funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. All services at the Guy & Allen Chapel 2959 West 11th Avenue Gary, Indiana 46404. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park.