Lonnie Stevens Smith Sr.

1940 - 2025

Edinburg - Lonnie was born to Chester and Ruby Smith in Weslaco, Texas on July 24, 1940 where he was raised alongside his older brother, James and younger sister Mary Belle. In his early years, Lonnie enjoyed spending time outside climbing trees, working in the garage shop with his father - building anything he could think of. Lonnie often spent a great deal of time working on caterpillar machinery at BD Holt or in the field with his father. In his teenage years, Lonnie spent a great deal of time building hot rods, enjoyed fishing, and hunting. After graduating from Weslaco High School in 1958, Lonnie joined the Corps of Cadets Airforce Squadron at Texas A&M University in Bryan, and graduated in 1962. In 1966, Lonnie was drafted to serve in the United States Army. During his training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, Lonnie earned a special distinction in physical fitness for a high score on the Physical Combat Proficiency Test. After completing a course in Ordinance Supply at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, Lonnie was transferred overseas and served in the 627th Supply Company in Mannheim Germany. During his time in the Service, Lonnie earned a Good Conduct Medal, as well as an Expert Marksmanship Badge. After Lonnie's discharge in 1967, he remained on Standby Reserve with the U.S. Army until 1972. After he returned home from Germany in 1968 with his wife and daughter, he again began work with his father-in-law in residential and commercial construction in Mercedes, TX, where he was responsible for bidding on structural steel jobs and drew to scale detailed draft plans for construction projects. Lonnie moved on and worked briefly with Valley Ready mix concrete company; and soon after moved to Mission, TX where he worked as the managing superintendent for the Hidalgo County Water District Number #6 in La Joya, TX. During his tenure as district manager, Lonnie was instrumental in establishing a retirement annuity for his employees that worked for him in collaboration with the County of Hidalgo commissioners board. This is something he mentioned once years ago and was proud of this accomplishment - he simply loved people and worked in every which way to care and provide for them when the opportunity presented itself. In 1981, Lonnie switched careers and was employed by Central Power and Light, retiring in 2002. Lonnie started at the Bates Power Plant and worked his way into marketing management during the the final years until his retirement. He was a valued member of the area manager marketing team which was instrumental in spearheading various energy saving programs for residential and commercial customers. During this time in his career, Lonnie also ventured in forming his residential construction company and built homes in the Mission area fulfilling a passion that he held close to his heart for many years. Lonnie was a Christian who loved our Lord, and served as a Deacon for many years at both the Conway Avenue Baptist Church in Mission and Calvary Baptist Church in McAllen. He was an extraordinary man of faith and studied scripture daily. Lonnie would often reminisce of how his father, Chester and mother, Ruby, were great providers for him and his siblings - and missed them dearly. From stories of racing his '55 Chevy hot rod down country back roads, or deer hunting at the family deer lease in Roma, TX with cousins, uncles and other family - he always shared fond memories and prioritized spending time with and providing for his family. Lonnie especially enjoyed time with friends and family, keeping in touch with many old schoolmates and college roommates. He was a staunch supporter of the Texas A&M Association of Former Students, active member of various Veteran support organizations and was a Kiwanis Club member in McAllen prior to moving to Boerne. Lonnie cherished every moment he could spend with his grandchildren. Many times they could be found in his wood working shop as he taught them how to construct things out of wood and other materials with his "Aggie engineering". Lonnie always had this knack to construct wooden accessories for the golf cart, riding lawn mower, tractor and other things found around the home. They were always unique in style and served a simple purpose. Lonnie enjoyed having a beautiful lawn and took pride in keeping a well kept and comfortable yard for family and friends when they stopped by or came to visit. Whether it was a rocking swing, picnic table, tire swing, or hammock - Lonnie had all of the bases covered. As an avid outdoorsman, any time spent outside with family to him was priceless.

"We will forever be grateful for his service, sacrifice, and the lasting legacy he left behind. Lonnie will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew him." Dad, may all men be measured by you.