Lonny E. Smith, 84

August 30, 2025

Lonny E. Smith, 84, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025. He was born on September 29, 1940, in Elkhart, IN, to the late Albert Smith and Rose Lee Smith. He was preceded in death by his grandson – Seth, and his siblings – Al and Sandy. Lonny was a proud direct descendant of Chief Francis Godfroy, the last war chief of the Miami Indians of Indiana.

Lonny attended Cassopolis High School in Michigan where he played basketball and met Sue (Tietsort) Smith-Weideman. They married in 1959 and together shared two children.

At 17 years old, Lonny enlisted in the U.S. Army and went on to complete Non-Commissioned Officer training. Over the course of his distinguished military career, he proudly served in both the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions, attended Officer Candidate School, and rose to the rank of Captain. His bravery during his tour in Vietnam earned him the honor of receiving the Purple Heart.

Following his military service and other ventures, Lonny built a successful career in the RV industry, beginning in the late 1970s with KEVCO, where he worked as a salesman for more than 25 years. He later retired from Odyssey, another RV supplier.

Lonny married Cynthia “Cindy” Smith on February 12, 1972. Together for more than 53 years, they raised two more children and celebrated the blessing of their grandchildren, whose ages now range from 16 to 43.

Lonny will be missed and remembered by his wife, Cindy; his children, Paige wife of Van Popp, Gary husband of Nean Smith, Kirk Lyon, and Heidi wife of Adam Lenhart; as well as his 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Known for the heartfelt “Grace” he offered at family gatherings, Lonny loved spending time with his grandchildren and sharing stories from his younger years. He enjoyed Notre Dame football, fishing, camping, Disney trips, and a good game of Euchre. While his absence will be felt, his family finds comfort in celebrating the very full life he lived.

A Memorial Service to honor Lonny will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, 60 Indiantown Gap Rd, Annville, PA 17003, on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 11AM, with full Military Honors, in recognition of his dedicated service to his country.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Lonny’s name to: miamiindians.org or t2t.org.