Lonnie L. Elliott

Lonnie L. Elliott, 86, of East Moline, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Rock Island, Rock Island, Illinois.

Visitation is 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 18, in the Horizon Room at Trimble Funeral Home at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. The family will greet friends at a funeral luncheon immediately following services at CityView Celebrations at Trimble Pointe. Memorials may be made to the Quad City Animal Welfare Center or River Bend Food Bank.

Lonnie Lee Elliott was born March 19, 1939, in Merritt, Illinois, the son of Edward and Vermeta (Vernandez) Elliott. He married Barbara Henderson and the couple had three children prior to separating. He worked as a truck driver at Miller Container and Eagle’s Grocery Store before settling in to a 42-year career at John Deere Parts Express. He retired on July 31, 2000.

Lonnie married Sheri (Henrichs) Gray, on July 18, 1981, in Milan, Illinois. When asked about Sheri, Lonnie joked about being her maintenance man and grounds keeper, but went on in a more serious tone to call Sheri his “soul mate”. He said he loved working together on their small alpaca farm and sitting in their swing watching sunsets.

He enjoyed being a handyman, building sheds, fences and barns, and always liked to help people with projects. Above all else, family was the most important thing to Lonnie. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Lonnie is survived by his beloved wife, Sheri; his son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Wanda Elliott of Milan; son-in-law, Jim Kiel; grandchildren, Kyle (Rosalie) Kiel, Cameron (Taylor) Kiel, and Neesan Elliott; great-grandchildren, Karson, Chandler, Sabrina and Beckett; his brother, Ray Barnd; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Elliott; his mother and step-father, Vermeta and Melvin Barnd; children, Rick and Randy Elliott, and Dana Kiel; siblings, Alberta (Elmer) King and Jeanie Kaufman; and an uncle, Lonnie Vernandez.

In true Lonnie fashion, he joked when planning his funeral in advance about setting aside money to “hire” people to come cry at his funeral. However, that won’t be necessary, as he left an indelible mark on his family and friends and will be truly missed.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.