Lonnie Dean Elmore, son of Madge and the late Willard “Lum” Elmore, was born Jan. 28, 1953, in Houston, Mo., and entered into his heavenly home on Nov. 4, 2015, after a courageous battle with cancer the past eight months.
Lonnie attended all 12 years of school at Houston. His passion for sports allowed him to letter in baseball, basketball, football and track during his high school years. He graduated from the University of Missouri in Columbia in 1975.
After college, Lonnie moved to Chicago, Ill., and for the next 40 years he worked as a recreational therapist at Alexian Bros. Hospital in Huffman Estates. He helped to make a difference in the lives of adolescents as well as elderly patients and formed lasting friendships with doctors, nurses and the entire hospital staff.
Three of Lonnie’s greatest joys in his 62 years here on earth were his family, friends and Mizzou football. His devotion to his family was second to none. The more family and friends that were around, the happier he was.
Lonnie had a way of making life fun and very special for all who knew him.
Lonnie is survived by his wife, Dolly; his mother, Madge Elmore; a son, David Elmore; a daughter, Faith Kowerko and her husband, Alex; three stepchildren, Trisha, Bea and Carold; sisters, Terri Elmore and Sharyn McKinney; brother, Bobby Elmore and wife, Deena; and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Lonnie’s life will be held Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015, at the First Baptist Church in Houston, Mo. Visitation with the family begins at 10 a.m. followed by a brief service beginning at 11 a.m.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
PAID