Lonnie Samuel Chavez

Lonnie Samuel Chavez went to be with his Lord late Sunday night, November 15, 2015. He was released from the pain and suffering of Parkinson’s disease after a long battle. He and his wife, Elaine, had relocated to Hilo, Hawaii about a year ago to be with their youngest daughter, Laura and her husband Garvin, and that is where he passed away at home. Lonnie was dearly loved by many. He was born May 22, 1931 in Gunnison, Colorado, the oldest son in a family with 8 children. His mom died when he was 10 years old and his father never re-married. Lonnie always took care of his family. He served 27 years in the United States Marine Corps. He enlisted as a Private in 1946 during WWII and retired as a Major in 1974. During those years he also served in Korea, and completed 2 tours of duty in Viet Nam. He then began a new career serving the Lord Jesus Christ full time as a Pastor and Missionary. He served as ‘Director of Language Missions’ and ‘Director of Missions’ for California, for the Southern Baptist Convention for 22 years before he retired. During that time, he received his doctorate in Divinity. Even during retirement he served as interim pastor and travelling missionary in various capacities. He loved people and wanted them to know about the Good News that Jesus had provided a way for their salvation by His death on the cross and resurrection from the grave so that they could have the gift of salvation by believing in Jesus and receiving Him as their Savior. He published a booklet entitled “God’s Road Map to Heaven, From The Bible”, which has been distributed worldwide in several languages. Lonnie was married to Evelyn Elaine Wright in 1948. During their 67 years of marriage they raised 3 daughters: Teresa, Christine, and Laura. Lonnie is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild, one sister and one brother as well as many nieces and nephews who loved their “Uncle Lonnie” and were greatly impacted by his life. He was respected and loved by his family and many others. He will be greatly missed. He and Elaine have kept their home in Oceanside where they had lived for many years. A visitation will be held Friday November 27th, 2015 at Eternal Hills Mortuary Chapel from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at Eternal Hills Mortuary Chapel Saturday, November 28th at 1:00 PM. Lonnie will be buried at Eternal Hills in Oceanside, California.