Lonnie Leon Hafferty

Lonnie L. Hafferty, 79, went to Heaven on September 21, 2026, from Galveston, Texas. Born September 24, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri, Lonnie was the son of Eva Dean Knowlton and Leon Hafferty and came just shy of 80 years old—though anyone who knew him would say he never needed a milestone to find a reason to smile, laugh, or make someone else do the same.

A Christian believer, Lonnie carried his faith alongside a spirit that stayed bright and steady through the years. He celebrated 40 years of sobriety, a hard-won, deeply meaningful achievement that spoke to his strength and the devotion he brought to the life he chose and the people he loved.

Lonnie was a proud graduate of the Class of ’66 at Auburn High School in Rockford, IL, and later attended DeVry Institute of Technology. A proud Army veteran, Lonnie served two tours during the Tet Offensive, one of the largest military campaigns of the Vietnam War—an experience that spoke to both his steadfast commitment and the quiet strength behind the jokes. He built a life of honest work and quiet capability, spending 25 years with the railroad and retiring as an electrician. He was also a Member of the IBEW and a member of the VFW Galveston Post—connections that reflected both his work ethic and his loyalty to the communities he valued.

In Galveston, Lonnie found simple joys and made them feel like treasures. He loved animals, especially dogs, and could be counted on to notice the loyal heart in a wagging tail. He was fascinated with sci-fi and nature shows, and he enjoyed sitting on the Seawall watching the waves and the birds—moments that suited him: unhurried, observant, and content to let wonder do the talking.

Lonnie’s humor was never far away. A practical joker who never met a stranger, he had a way of turning everyday encounters into friendly, memorable exchanges. And of course, many knew him as “Lotto Lonnie,” because he played the lottery every day, every draw—committed, consistent, and entirely himself about it.

Above all, Lonnie was devoted and generous in the ways that mattered: showing up, making room for others, and sharing the road with the people he cherished. He was an avid traveler with his son and daughter, and those miles—like so much of his life—were marked by closeness, laughter, and the kind of steady love that doesn’t need fanfare to be felt.

Lonnie was preceded in death by his mother, Eva Dean Knowlton; his father, Leon Hafferty; his sister, Thelma Hafferty; his brother, Steve Hafferty; and his daughter’s dog, Bunny.

He is survived by his son, Lonn Hafferty; his daughter, Laura Hafferty; his brother, Rodney Hafferty and his wife Margaret Hafferty; and his half-brother, Richard Halverson; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Forest Park East Funeral Home, located at 21620 Gulf Freeway in Webster, Texas on Monday, October 5, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, with a funeral service starting at 10:00 am and a reception to follow. A committal service will be held at Houston National Cemetery, located at 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr in Houston, Texas at 2:15 pm.