Lonnie John Abshire

Lonnie John Abshire, born October 10, 1932, was the son of Allen Abshire of Kaplan, Louisiana. Lonnie spent his entire life devoted to horses, working as a Thoroughbred trainer at tracks up and down the east coast including the Fair Grounds, Oaklawn Park, Churchill Downs and River Downs. He remained involved with horses for almost all of his life and only slowed down in his last several years when his health no longer allowed. Thoroughbred racing was not just a profession for Lonnie, but a lifelong passion that he would continue to excitedly talk about and follow until he passed. Lonnie never knew a stranger and remained an extremely friendly and welcoming person with a great and cheerful personality until the day he went to join his Heavenly Father.

Lonnie was the proud father of Allen Abshire (deceased), Mark Abshire (deceased), and Lonnie Charles Abshire Jr. (60) of Hot Springs, Arkansas.

He was also a cherished lifelong friend of Ronald "Tex" Cauthen (deceased). Through that friendship, Lonnie played a pivotal role in helping Tex's oldest son, Steve Cauthen, learn the skills of a jockey at a very early age and he put him on some of his first rides as a Thoroughbred jockey. These early opportunities helped launch what would become a historic and Hall of Fame career that included Steve winning the 1978 Triple Crown aboard Affirmed. Lonnie remained a close and valued family friend to all the Cauthens throughout his life.

Lonnie will be remembered for his deep love of horses, his loyalty to friends, and the lasting impact he had on the lives he touched.