Lonnie DeWeese

James Leon “Lonnie” Deweese, 89, passed from this life to his Heavenly Home on May 12, 2019 surrounded by his family and friends.

Mr. Deweese was born May 30, 1929 in the Fall Creek Falls community. He was a deacon and charter member of Plainview Free Will Baptist Church and a life-long resident of Van Buren County. Lonnie was an Army veteran and served his country in the Korean Conflict from 1951 to 1952. He worked at Taft Youth Center as a building trades instructor, residential carpenter for several years and worked at A. O. Smith for 17 years until he retired. After retirement he enjoyed gardening, wood working and working on the farm.

He was preceded in death by sister; Anna Ben Deweese, parents; Ben and Lora Deweese, grandson; Beau Deweese and daughter-in-law; Brandie Deweese.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Virginia Simmons Deweese; sons, Dennis (Tammy) Deweese, Vernon and Bengie Deweese; special family members, Mike Austin, Charlene Kirby and Bea Wanamaker; grandchildren, Dakota, Ben (Kaula), Dillon, Morgan and Makayla Deweese; great-grandchildren, Amira, Aria and Athen Deweese; brother, Edward Deweese; brothers-in-law, A. R. (Shirley) Simmons, Joe (Allene) Simmons, Fred (Lynn) Simmons; sisters-in-law, Inez Nunley (friend Fred) and Reba Simmons. Several nieces, nephews and extended family, special friends of the family and church family. Special VA caregiver Margaret Ann Briceland and Diane Hale.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 15, at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Bro. Dennis Deweese, Bro. Estel Bilbrey and Bro. Danny Allen officiating. Burial followed in the Blankenship Cemetery. Visitation was Wednesday 10:00 a.m. until time of service.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Gideons Bible Ministry and to Fall Creek Falls Christian Campground.

Send your condolences to the family at www.laynefuneralhome.com.

Layne Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Spencer in charge of arrangements