Lonnie "Darrell" Cradic

Lonnie Darrell Cradic, age 79 of Piedmont, passed away Sunday, August 17, 2025 at the Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. He was born April 9, 1946 in Hammond, Indiana, the son of Clyde and Edna (Sanders) Cradic. 

He served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1970 receiving the National Defense Service Medal, along with Sharpshooter (Rifle) and Marksman (Pistol). Darrell married Deborah Matzker on January 27, 1988 in Piedmont and she preceded him in death on January 4, 2018. He worked for many years as a crane operator and was of the Baptist faith.  

In addition to his parents and loving wife Deborah, he is preceded in death by one son, David Richardson, one grandson, James Richardson, and one great granddaughter, Olivia Lewis.

Survivors include four children: Lonnie Cradic, Jr. and his wife Tina of Piedmont; Mark Richardson and his wife Gwen of Poplar Bluff; Harold Cradic and his wife Tonya of Waterloo, IL; and Melissa Caputo and her husband Matthew of St. Charles; his twin brother, Clifford Harold Cradic and his wife Toy of Cahokia, IL; brother, Donald Cradic, and his wife Pat of Piedmont; and one sister, Cathy Eisenhauer, of Barnhart.

Also surviving are eight grandchildren: Cayli Cradic, Brandi Smith, Gunner Cradic, Nicholas (Hannah) Cradic, Tanner Cradic, Ethan Caputo, Shenandoah Richardson, Gaelyn Richardson, eight great grandchildren; Jesey, Aliyah, Sophia, Delilah, Bryson, Liam, Leo, Soren, Stormi, along with many other family and friends. 

Visitation will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, at the Morrison Funeral Chapel in Piedmont. Funeral services will follow at 4:00 PM Thursday, at the funeral home chapel.

Interment will be held at 9:30 AM Friday, at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis with full military honors.