Lonnie Waldo Benn

As we say goodbye to Lonnie Benn, we celebrate his life and the legacy he leaves behind. He will be remembered for his steady guidance, generous spirit, and the lasting mark he left on every life he touched. He was a devoted husband, father, and community member who believed in lifting others up. His work helped shape countless careers and strengthen the skilled trades community he loved so deeply.

Lonnie accepted Jesus Christ as Lord while in the Air Force serving in Thailand during the Viet Nam conflict. He remained faithful in this commitment throughout his life.

Lonnie was a welder, welding inspector, instructor, and mentor. In 2014, Lonnie founded Anvil Welding Instruction, a state-licensed vocational school. The school’s hands-on training program has graduated hundreds of students as certified welders from all over the United States. Lonnie believed deeply in the value of skilled trades and had a heart for people.

As a private pilot, Lonnie loved to fly. There are many stories one could tell of his escapades while in the air. Whether it was dropping parachutes to friends on the ground or cutting the engine and stalling the plane in the air just to get a reaction from a passenger. Backwoods flying was his favorite adventure – landing on a grass airstrip in the mountains and camping.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Brenda Benn; daughter Erin Cruz (Chris); son Adam Benn; grandchildren Jaelee Cruz, Ja’Jandra Cruz, Jazmyn Cruz, Ryan Benn; his sister Rebecca Wendlandt; and sister-in-law Kathy Benn.

Lonnie is preceded in death by his brother Randall Benn; father Waldo Benn (stepmother Helen Benn); and mother Jessie Boren (stepfather Larry Boren).

A memorial service will be held at 3.00 pm on Friday, May 15th at Spokane Dream Center, 2128 N Pines Rd Suite 17, Spokane Valley, WA

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to your favorite charity or to the Spokane Dream Center.