Lonnie Eugene Parsons, age 79, passed away peacefully on October 20th, 2026, at home in Wellston surrounded by family.

Born to Gordon and Fran Parsons in Lansing, Michigan on June 27th, 1947, he grew up working hard on the family farm. Lonnie joined the United States Army on August 16th, 1966, and fought in the Vietnam War during his time enlisted. He was discharged honorably July 2nd, 1968. After the war he became a skilled carpenter and traveled the country working.

On September 2nd, 1977, he married his beloved Ruth Ann Culp in Hastings, Michigan. They made it just shy of 50 years before Ruth passed away on June 4th, 2024. After her passing, he was able to share almost 2 ½ years with friends and family before rejoining her in eternal love.

For many years Lonnie was a member of the Irons Union Church and chose a path with God. He was very active with the church. After Irons Union Church burned down 1991, he was one of many that helped rebuild the church in 1992.

Lonnie was also an active member in AA. Sobriety from alcohol became an important part of his life. Throughout the years he made many friends in AA. His AA sponsor Leroy Rouster became a lifelong friend. Over the years they were able to help many in the area with getting sober.

Lonnie loved the outdoors and was a skilled fisherman and hunter. He was always willing to share his passion for hunting and fishing with friends and family. In the spring and summer, you could find him out hunting for mushrooms, on the boat fishing the Big Manistee River or on the golf course. Some days it was just cruising the back roads and two tracks just enjoying the afternoon. When Fall came around, he was in the woods looking for that trophy buck to bring home or making sure the freezer was stocked with venison. Winter he would be back on the lakes ice fishing.

Lonnie was in several serious accidents throughout his life, but he never let it hold him back. He was one of the toughest, hardest working parents we could have ever asked for. He was loved by family and many friends. His loss has brought us all heartache, but we can take comfort in knowing that he is no longer in pain and back in the arms of his wife in Heaven.

Lonnie is preceded in death by parents Gordon and Fran Parsons, brother John Parsons, beloved wife Ruth Parsons and his lifelong best friend and sponsor Leroy Rouster. He is survived by his brothers Dennis (Joann) Parsons, Gary (Roxanne) Parsons, as well as his niece and nephews; mother-in-law Joyce Culp; his children Sara Parsons (Jeffrey Read), Rachel (Matthew) Sly, Joshua Parsons and Dan (Karen) Hoover; grandchildren Austin Horacek, Nathan Horacek, Talyana Read, Emily Sly, Isabelle Sly, Abigail Sly, Julia Parsons, Joshua Jr Parsons, Azalea Parsons, Maximus Parsons.

Services are scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Oak Grove Funeral Home in Manistee, Michigan. Visitation will begin at 11:00am with a service at 12:00pm. Luncheon will follow at the First Church of Wellston. Please join us in celebrating the life of Lonnie.