Lonnie Dale McClaugherty Jr., a beloved son, husband, father and friend, was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, July 15, 2024, after a battle with colon cancer. He was 65. Lonnie was born in Brownsville, Texas, on February 4, 1959 to Newt Winslett and Marilyn Campbell.

The son of truck drivers, he spent his teenage years traveling interstates and country roads with his parents Newt and Marilyn, seeing much of this beautiful country along the way. As an adult, Lonnie traded the land for the sea when he enlisted in the United States Navy, allowing him to travel the globe during numerous deployments throughout his 22 years of service. He was a heavy-duty diesel mechanic and worked in the engine room of some of the country's biggest warships to keep them afloat.

After retiring from the Navy, Lonnie brought his mechanical skills to Corpus Christi, where he worked at different mechanic shops in the area. It was in Corpus where Lonnie met Angela, his dedicated wife of 32 years, and they started a family together. Even after retiring from the private sector, Lonnie still put his skilled hands to good use. He was quick to offer his expertise to anyone who needed a helping hand and was generous and kind to anyone who had the fortune of crossing paths with him. He was a strong man who put his family first and everyone else's needs before his own. Only his immense work ethic could match his strong desire to help those in need.

In his retirement, Lonnie enjoyed nothing more than sitting out on the porch with his wife, daughters and grandchildren to take in the brisk
Corpus Christi breeze. He was a dedicated Papa, helping raise his grandchildren with great pride and keen wisdom. He would do anything for them and taught them many lessons that will stick with them for the rest of their lives.

Lonnie faced his cancer diagnosis with extreme courage, leaving behind a legacy of resiliency and strength. He was known to family and friends for his boisterous voice and helpful nature, and he will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him. Lonnie was eagerly awaiting the impending arrival of the newest member of the family, his grandson Liam Levens, and fought his hardest for the chance to meet him.

He is preceded in death by his father Newt Winslett, his sister Denise Hicks, and his granddaughter Heika Hahn.

Lonnie is survived by his wife Angela McClaugherty; his mother Marilyn Winslett of Weatherford, Texas; his brothers Jay McClaugherty of South Padre Island, Texas, and Newt (Lenora) Winslett Jr. of Weatherford, Texas; his daughters Nicole (Brian) Hahn of Queen Creek, Arizona, and Brianna McClaugherty and Maranda McClaugherty (Neil Levens) of Corpus Christi, Texas; his grandchildren Jaxson and Madison Hahn of Queen Creek, Arizona, and Aida, Lailah and Luke of Corpus Christi, Texas; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Flowers can be sent to 4443 Ocean Drive #121, Corpus Christi, Texas, 78412.