Lonnie's obituary
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Lonnie "Butch/Uncle Billy" Hennings on September 1, 2023. Born in 1960, Lonnie was known by many, yet he preferred his birth name. A man whose personality was best described as bubbly, warm, and loving. He left an indelible imprint on those fortunate enough to have known him.
Lonnie was a loving father to his children, Manette Arteaga and David Hennings. He derived enormous joy from his role as a father and there was no doubt about the profound love, he had for them. Lonnie was predeceased by his father, Samuel Hennings, whose memory he cherished with a quiet strength.
His profound sense of duty led him to serve in the United States Marines in 1979 to 1988. He wore his uniform with pride and held his time in the service close to his heart. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Marines never left him.
Lonnie, known to his friends by his nicknames Butch and Uncle Billy, had a deep appreciation for the music of Elvis Presley. You would often hear him humming his favorite tunes while riding his bike, one of his preferred ways to exercise.
A sports enthusiast, Lonnie was an die heart supporter of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He would never miss a game and his infectious enthusiasm made it easy to get caught up in the excitement. His favorite local haunt was Applebees, where he was known for his friendly banter and ebullient spirit.
Lonnie shared many life lessons, but one of his most poignant was that "love is closer than you realize". His legacy, however, was the firm belief that "the lord has me" These wise words will continue to resonate with those he left behind. His distinctive and warm voicemails, full of humor and affection, will be deeply missed.
Lonnie's loss is deeply felt by all who knew him. His spirit, his laughter, and his love will forever be etched in our hearts. We take solace in knowing that he lived his life to the fullest, touching every person he met with his warmth and love.