Lonnie Ellsworth

Alonzo “Lonnie” Raymond Ellsworth

1935 – 2025

Alonzo “Lonnie” Raymond Ellsworth, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and the heart of the Ellsworth family, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025, at the age of 90.

Born in Bernice, Oklahoma in 1935, Lonnie grew up modestly as the only boy among four spirited sisters. He attended high school in Miami, Oklahoma, where he met the love of his life, Jackie. They married young and shared an extraordinary 72-year marriage filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion.

Lonnie worked hard throughout his life, building a respected career at Bendix—now Honeywell—where his dedication and work ethic earned him the admiration of colleagues and family alike. He was also an honorary warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, a distinguished honor within the Boy Scouts of America, reflecting his lifelong commitment to mentorship and community.

A master craftsman, Lonnie could build anything with his hands—homes, furniture that became family treasures, and even, as family legend has it, the first pop-up camper. His creativity and skill were matched only by his storytelling, which captivated generations around the fire pit, family room, and backyard BBQs.

Lonnie and Jackie raised four successful children—Steve (Joanne), Cindi (Mike), Paul (Colette), and Patti (Pam) as well as beloved daughter-in-law, Missy, and were blessed with five grandchildren (Jenni, Mikey, Josh, Neal, and Jake) and fifteen great-grandchildren, who all called him “Grandpa Claw”.

In retirement, Lonnie and Jackie managed scenic campgrounds across the country. As an avid outdoor couple, those years were a highlight of their marriage, filled with nature, community, and the simple joys of life under the open sky.

Their home was always open, filled with happy hours, laughter, the smell of smoked meats, and the sound of Kansas City Chiefs games playing in the background. He took great pride in his cooking and loved nothing more than sharing a cigar with his sons and grandsons after a good meal or a Super Bowl win.

Lonnie was the backbone of the Ellsworth family—a man of integrity, humor, and quiet strength. His legacy lives on in the stories he told, the things he built, and the family he loved so fiercely.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.