LONNIE G ALBIN

Lonnie Gayle Albin (76) of Evansville, went to be with our Lord on Thursday, June 4, 2015, at his home. His loving family surrounded his bed in prayer. He was born October 31, 1938, in Oakland City, IN to Gayle H. and Vivian (VanWinkle) Albin.

Lonnie attended New Beginnings Lakeside Church, which became his extended family. Lonnie and his family moved to Evansville where he attended Baker Grade School, Kasson and Cynthia Heights Elementary. He graduated from F.J. Reitz High School in 1956 and furthered his education with a Louise B. Orr scholarship at the University of Evansville. There, he majored in Chemistry and played shortstop for the Ace's baseball team.

Lonnie met his wife of 54 years, Carolyn Sue (Roberts) before his senior year at U of E, and they were married November 25, 1960 at Grace Baptist Church. Lonnie and Sue journeyed together to Purdue University where Lonnie was working on a teacher's fellowship. While at Purdue, he enveloped a special love and gift for teaching.

In 1962 his first job took him to Rockport High School where he taught Chemistry. He then acquired a position at his alma mater, F.J. Reitz High School, as a math teacher where his passion and love for teaching and mentoring students flourished. While at Reitz, he coached golf, cross country, track and baseball and was the Assistant Athletic Director. While teaching at Reitz, Lonnie received his Master's in Education from IU. He served on the Board of Directors of Big Blue at Reitz and was their proudest Football booster of all. Throughout his teaching career, he also taught at Central Evening School, USI, and after retirement, was the Mutual Manager of Ellis Park. He remained at Reitz for 32 years and Henry Reis for three years before retiring in 1997 from EVSC. He taught math up to the very end as he tutored all of his grandchildren.

He was a member of the American Chemistry Society, Hole in One Golf Club, West Side Nut Club and Riverbend. One of his favorite times of the year was the West Side Fall Festival where he proudly wore his Nut Club hat and enjoyed the entire week with his family in their seats on Franklin St. Lonnie and Sue met friends at McDonald's daily for breakfast and deep discussion. There, crossword puzzles, crypto crypts and football games were discussed over a biscuit and coffee.

Mr. Albin, as his wife called him, loved his sports. He was an avid follower of the Evansville Purple Aces, Purdue Boilermakers, USI Eagles, Colts, Matt Kenseth NASCAR and Indiana Pacers and was perhaps, the world's greatest St. Louis Cardinals fan. But of all his sports loves, Reitz football was tops.

Lonnie was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and a man of faith and integrity. His love for Christ, family, education and sports will be his legacy. His knowledge of all subjects was immeasurable. Lonnie coached his twin sons and his daughter's baseball and softball teams. He loved gardening and kept his yard immaculately groomed. His little pug, Sissy, never left his side.

Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Shirley Albin Heneisen.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carolyn Sue (Roberts); children, Darron and Randall Albin and Kendyl (Jason) Ashworth; grandchildren, Autumn and Brock Ashworth and Austin and Anderson Albin and their mother, Jane Albin; sister, Linda (Danny) Wilkinson; brother-in-law, Virgil Heneisen; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank New Beginnings Lakeside Church, Heritage Hospice and Deaconess VNA Home Healthcare for all their kindness and care.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM Wednesday, June 10, 2015, at Alexander West Chapel, officiated by Pastor Darrick Hayden and Pastor Doug Horner, with burial in Alexander Memorial Park. Friends may visit Tuesday from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to New Beginnings Lakeside Church, 11420 Middle Mt. Vernon Rd., Evansville, IN 47712 and Big Blue Boosters, Inc., PO Box 6272, Evansville, IN 47719. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.

Alexander Memorial Park Burial Location: Garden Of St Matthew, Lot 173, Space 1