1958 – 2019
Lonnie was a man made of gold. Even in the most dire of circumstances his glass was always half full, and any time you were in his presence, so was yours. He shared his love for the peace and stillness found in the mountains, lakes, and streams of this beautiful state with everyone he came in contact with throughout his life. Lonnie loved everyone fully and selflessly. He valued people, and welcomed everyone with open arms, making them feel like family. He was a friend to all, a Saint who loved and enjoyed the company of sinners, and had a testimony of his Savior that was integrated into who he was at his core. He was a carpenter and a fisherman. His legacy and strengths cannot adequately be put into words. To know him, was to love him.
Lonnie was born to Charles “Chuck” DeVaney and Carolyn Nelson on October 24, 1958 in Long Beach, CA. Life changed course for Lonnie at a young age when he and hisq brother came to be raised by their beloved maternal grandparents in Wellington, UT. He spent much of his youth running around the mountains with his little brother Mike, and an abundance of loving cousins and friends. He had a deep love for music and sports, and shared that passion with anyone willing to listen. He served an LDS mission from 1978-1980 in Honolulu, HI. Throughout his mission he grew to love and embrace the island lifestyle. The love he had for his ‘Ohana there ran deep, and stayed with him forever.
He married his best friend, and sweetheart Bonnie Brown, on January 27, 1984. They were sealed together for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City, UT temple. Bonnie is by far Lonnie’s favorite adventure buddy. She is a mother to all, together they embodied what it means to be truly Christlike. The example they set is priceless. They welcomed everyone as family, and gave a home to countless wandering souls. They balanced one another perfectly. Lonnie lived for his family. He loved being a father and even more so, a grandfather. His grandchildren were his pride and joy and best friends. They could light him up like none other, and all adored him. Together, he and Bonnie raised a beautiful family that includes many bonus kids. He taught all of his children, both blood and chosen, what is really important in life. The morals and values he exemplified are embedded deep into the souls of his children, and we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect role model. We will live to honor him and keep him alive through our treatment of others, and ask that you do the same.
Lonnie fought long and hard through an unexpected illness and complications of an infection, ultimately deciding he was ready to return home. He crossed the veil peacefully, jamming out to his favorite songs, surrounded by his family and a football team of people he loved, who loved him in return. He is missed beyond measure, but we know he will stick around. To quote his last words, “Man up, and smile.”
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years Bonnie, his children Patrick J.(Hannah) DeVaney, Cory(Imari) DeVaney, Amber(Jim) Forman, Travis(Anngilee) DeVaney, and Monica(Matheus) Fonseca. His mother Carolyn(Louis) Nelson. His grandchildren Julian, Jace, Alaina, Kal, Bruce, Oliver, Diana, Emmalene, and Jeremiah. His blended siblings Guy, Eryc, Marian, Grace, Candy, and Randy. As well as many life long friends, cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.
He is preceded in death by his little brothers Michael and Patrick M. DeVaney, grandparents Ervin B. and Grace D. Erickson, his beloved Aunt Lola, his father Charles DeVaney and many other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
A viewing will be held on Monday, April 1, 2019 from 6:00-8:00pm at Cannon Mortuary. 2460 E. Bengal Blvd. SLC, UT 84121
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 12:00pm, at the LDS Copper Hills Stake Center. 5176 W Parr Drive, West Jordan, UT 84081. Viewing beforehand from 11:00-11:45am.
Graveside dedication following the service at Herriman City Cemetery 12465 S Pioneer Street, Herriman UT, 84096