Lonnie Ray Pender was born in Conway, Missouri to William H.E. and Anna Lee Hawk Pender on July 2, 1937. He died in Cox South Hospital in Springfield, Missouri on July 17, 2014, at age 77. He is pre-deceased by his parents, five brothers: William, Joseph, James, Gayford, and Thomas; two sisters: Naoma Moore and Mildred Seay. He is survived by two brothers, Gerald and John, and by two sisters, Betty Schaefer and Zelma Peck. He is also survived by Connie Pender, his wife of 45 years, three sons; Tim Pender, John Pender, and Brad Pender, two daughters: Tanna Emmons and Lori Burgard, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
He is greatly missed by his cat Freddi Jane, whom he called “My Guide Kitty”. She faithfully helped lead him from one room to another after his vision failed. Lonnie served his country from 1955 to 1958. After entering the army at age 17, he was proud to become one of the youngest non-commissioned officers serving in Korea in 1957. He transferred to the Air Force Reserve in 1958 serving as a loadmaster for C-137’s, out of Wichita, Oklahoma City, and Kelly Field, Illinois.
Lonnie’s career path was a varied one but was usually related to the land. He was elected to two terms as the Register of Deeds for Montgomery County, Kansas, serving from 1964-1968. He worked for Benson Mineral Group as a petroleum land man, as Vice-President of Acquisitions for Manley Industries until 1976. From 1976 until 2012 when ill health forced him to retire, Lonnie was a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser. He was able to complete the difficult task of meeting and maintaining the licensing requirements for certification in five states.
Lonnie had few hobbies, always saying his work was his enjoyment. Until he lost his sight, he loved to read. Novels or histories of the Old West were his particular favorites. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and was especially pleased that his son Brad is also active in the Masonic Lodge. Lonnie was a loving husband and father who was very proud of all of his children and their accomplishments.
Following cremation, inurnment services will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2014, at 1:00 pm at the Committal Center of the Missouri State Veteran’s Cemetery of Springfield, Missouri. Full military honors will be conducted. Permanent online condolences, photos and stories may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.