Lonnie David O'Neal

After a life well lived, Lonnie David O’Neal went to be with his savior on Thursday, August 22nd 2024. 

He was born on January 11th, 1943 in Seattle Washington to Dorothy & Lambert O’Neal. He spent his early childhood in Enumclaw, Washington before eventually settling in Kennewick, Washington. He graduated from Kennewick High School in 1961 and went on to attend Columbia Basin College. He met the love of his life, Judith Karen Lawrence and they married on April 1st 1963. Lonnie then began what would become his lifelong career working in public power by accepting his first job at Franklin County PUD. They welcomed their daughter Kimberlee Sue O’Neal on May 29th, 1972. Their lives were forever changed when they accepted Jesus in 1973 and became steadfast believers attending church regularly. On May 12th, 1974 Lonnie and Judi welcomed their son, Sean David O’Neal to the world. They lived in the Tri Cities happily for a number of years before moving to Moses Lake, Washington for a job transfer in 1985. Lonnie would go on to work at Grant County PUD until he retired in 2009. 

Much of Lonnie’s adult life was dedicated to service and caring for others. In 1980, Lonnie began volunteering as a Ranger commander in the Tri-Cities. For over 40 years, Lonnie was an integral part of the Royal Ranger program regionally and impacted the lives of many young men for Jesus. He served his church in many ways and his community by teaching First-Aid and CPR. On several occasions, he would even stop on the scene of accidents before paramedics arrived to help the injured. He would never say no to anyone in need. 

One of his other lifelong hobbies was soccer. He was responsible for helping to start a soccer league in the Tri-Cities, and went on to be a soccer referee. After moving to Moses Lake, he managed referee assignments for the entire Columbia Basin. 

He achieved many things in his lifetime, but his greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his wife Judi, his daughter Kim, her husband Micah, their children Mariah (and husband Ben), Madison, Mitchell, and Kassia, and his son Sean, his wife Daysha, and their children Hayden and Ashton.

“No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child” - Abraham Lincoln 

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