Lonnie L. Smith (73) of Shumway

Lonnie L. Smith, 73 of Shumway, passed away January 2, 20201 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

Lonnie was born October 28, 1947 in Salem, the third of four children born to Irwin L. and Frances (Fulton) Smith of Salem. He married Kathryn “Katie” (McWhorter) Boyer on January 28, 1986 at the Effingham County Courthouse by Chief Judge Michael Weber.

Lonnie served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from February 7, 1968 to 1969. He was a member of the Effingham American Legion #120 and enjoyed working on his yard and playing pool with his buddies. Lonnie and his wife were the former owners of Ponderosa Steakhouse in Effingham.

He was rarely seen without his cup of coffee in the morning, a scratch off lottery ticket in hand ready to go fishing with his buddy, "E.T." - heading to Lake Pauline or Lake Sara.

Lonnie leaves behind his wife of 34 years, Katie of Shumway; son, Robert (Lori) Smith of Antioch, TN and step-son, Christopher (Kimberly) Boyer of Effingham; grandchildren, Kyle, Kenna and Kayleigh Smith of Antioch, TN; step-grandchildren, Dominic Boyer, Courtney Boyer, Alison Hall, Brooke Hughart, Elaine Hagenseiker; siblings, Stanley Smith of Salem and Anna (Merle) Wright of Iuka and brother-in-law, Marvin Holzhauer. They will cherish the memories of his gentle spirit and his willingness to help others.

Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Janet Holzhauer and sister-in-law, Sue Smith.

Lonnie’s wishes were to be cremated and no services to be held. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Route 33 east of Effingham, at a later date.