Lonnie Wayne McGuire

Lonnie Wayne McGuire, a veteran and proud Oklahoman, peacefully passed away on February 21, 2024, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Born on January 2, 1938, in Drumright, Oklahoma, Lonnie was the son of Stanley and Mabel McGuire, lifetime Creek county residents.

When Lonnie was about 8 years old his family relocated to Sapulpa. After graduating from Sapulpa High School, Lonnie went to college, worked in west Texas oil fields, took a job in the W.C. Norris Inc. purchasing department, and served in the Air Force reserves. The Air Force activated him just weeks after meeting the love of his life, Janene Caudle. They communicated during his time of service, and upon his return, they quickly married and shared nearly 63 years of companionship.

Lonnie's love for God and devotion to his faith was evident, living out its principles daily with grace and humility. Lonnie also had a profound appreciation for the outdoors, particularly the water. Whether fishing, bird hunting, or living on his houseboat, he felt most alive in the great outdoors. His adventurous spirit led him on many fishing trips, including to Mexico, Canada, Alaska, and countless USA lakes. Lonnie enjoyed bird hunting in the fall with his beloved dogs, much to the dismay of many quail and dove.

In addition to his love for God and nature, Lonnie enjoyed starting and growing businesses; from his beginnings in metal fabrication with friend Jim Thompson, Lonnie expanded into the HVAC business with his nephew Jack, pursued specialty powdered metal fabrication, making parts for Zebco reels and first generation computers, and ended his career as an early adopter and distributor for Royal Purple. Lonnie's entrepreneurial spirit and natural ability to win over and service customers propelled him to success.

A proud graduate of Sapulpa High School and the University of Oklahoma, Lonnie valued education and lifelong learning. He instilled these values in his children, Mike and Pat, who carry on his legacy with pride. However, family was his greatest joy. He was a loving father to his children, his daughter-in-law's Deborah and Suzanne, a beloved grandfather to Dr. Dehra (McGuire) Bradshaw and husband Max and to Caleb McGuire and wife Jessica, and great-grandfather to their son Declan McGuire. He also strived to stay in contact with all his cousins and extended family.

Lonnie is reunited in eternity with his parents, Stanley and Mabel McGuire, and his siblings, Jack McGuire, Pat McGuire, and Connie Hufft. He is survived by his sister Gerry Cowan and a host of beloved family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

Though he may no longer walk among us, his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.