Lonnie Eugene McClure

Memorial services for Lonnie Eugene McClure will be held on Thursday, January 5th, 2023 at 10AM at the Hulbert High School Gymnasium with Pastor Sam Keener and Nick Pruitt officiating. Honorary pallbearers for Lonnie include Roger Farmer, Jeff Thomas, Buster Gifford, Teddy Ridenhour, Mark Walker, Doc Carey, Jack Teague, and Frank Alan Teague.

Lonnie Eugene McClure was born on August 19th, 1954 in Tahlequah, OK to Lon and Rosa Lea (Adair) McClure. He was the youngest of five siblings whom he adored, especially his “Sissy” — she meant the world to him as he did to her. He spent his entire life in Hulbert, OK — the place he loved most. Lonnie was a jack of all trades, but talked frequently about his time as an ironworker. He was able to travel all over the U.S., and even out of the country, which he did for several years while ironworking. In 1984, he married Rosa Farmer in Miami, OK. Lonnie and Rosa were inseparable and he cared for her greatly. He was heartbroken after her passing in 2015. Although heartbroken, the Lord knew Lonnie would need a companion and sent Kathy. On November 19th, 2018, Lonnie and Kathy married in Hulbert, OK. Kathy never left Lonnie's side and their love for each other was immeasurable. Lonnie loved Kathy, her children and grandchildren without a doubt and enjoyed being their "Pops." During his lifetime, he was blessed with six children — his five sons: Eddie, Tony, Corey, Joseph, and Roger; and his one and only, baby girl, which happens to be his namesake, Loni.

Lonnie had the best sense of humor and loved to joke and make people laugh. He was always smiling and possessed a contagious laughter. Lonnie was never seen in a bad mood and loved being around people. If he had a nickname for you, then you knew he loved you. You could find Lonnie roaming around Hulbert, talking on his infamous red flip phone, or cheering on the Hulbert Riders at various sporting events. He was beyond proud of his children and grandchildren, which he talked highly of. A vast amount of his time was spent watching Jos and Shorty coach or his grandchildren play sports. His grandson, Cade, was his best friend and they spent an immense amount of time together. To his family, Lonnie was known as the “baby whisperer,” or better yet the “baby hog.” Children were drawn to him, hence his notorious nickname, “Big Kid.” He loved babies and they loved him right back. Lonnie was a Christian by faith and a member of Swimmer Baptist Church. He loved attending church and making memories with his church family. Big Kid leaves a void that can never be filled.

Lonnie is preceded in death by his wife, Rosa McClure; parents, Lon and Rosa Lea McClure;

siblings, Carl McClure and Betty Austin; and granddaughter, Blakely Jo McClure.

Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife, Kathy of the home in Hulbert. Eight children: Eddie McClure of St. Petersburg, FL, Tony McClure of Tahlequah, OK, Corey Cassels and wife Alicia of Santa Clarita, CA, Joseph McClure and wife Megan of Hulbert, OK, Roger McClure and wife Kayla of Hulbert, OK, Loni Ratliff and husband Tanner of Hulbert, OK, Amber Wright and husband Kenyatta of Vian, OK, and Joni Collins and husband Austin of Tahlequah, OK. He also leaves two sisters: Christine Turney and Shirley Teague both of Hulbert, OK. Lonnie lives on in his 18 grandchildren - Tyler, Tanner, Mattie and husband Jeb, Jordyn, Callie Avery, Cade, Jett, Barrett, Connor, Brooklyn, Sawyer, Alexis, Elijah, Solomon, Avery, Kael and River; 2 great-grandchildren - Jenson and Copelan; as well as his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and an enormous host of friends and loved ones.