Lonnie D. Saunders, 65, Had a Passion for Automobiles
Lonnie D. Saunders, age 65, a resident of Wakeman since 2004, passed away at his residence on the afternoon of Saturday February 27, 2021 following an illness of eight months.
He was born in Lorain on August 6, 1955 and grew up in Berlin Heights.
Lonnie was a 1973 graduate of Edison High School where he played the guard and forward positions on the varsity basketball team.
He was most recently employed as an independent driver for Schneider Trucking. Previously, he had worked for two decades as a production assistant at Ford Motor Company’s Lorain Assembly Plant. He was a former member of U.A.W. Local 425.
Lonnie possessed a passion for automobiles and fulfilled his need for speed by racing his 1969 Chevelle at the Norwalk Drag Strip in his younger days. His love of cars continued with regular attendance at the annual classic car show at Mill Hollow as well as other cruise-ins and car shows along the north coast.
He possessed uncanny math skills and was able to calculate figures in his mind faster than most individuals could do using a calculator. In addition, he enjoyed spending time with his family and always welcomed the opportunity to challenge his grandchildren at various card and board games.
An avid basketball fan, he was a staunch supporter of the University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball program as well as a loyal follower of all three of Cleveland’s professional sports franchises.
Lonnie is survived by his wife of thirty-five years Felicitas “Phyllis” (nee Rodriquez), sons Jeremy Saunders (Tracie) of North Ridgeville, Aaron Martinez (Melania Urvay) of Parma, and daughter Ashley Robinette (Richard) residing in Phoenix, Arizona. He also leaves grandchildren Jerahmarie Saunders, Jalynn Saunders, Alaina Urvay, Aja Martinez, Ashton Martinez, Josephine Robinette, and Benjamin Robinette. Additional survivors include his step-mother Brenda Saunders of Man, West Virginia, sisters Linda Saunders of Shelbyville, Kentucky, Alicia Mullins (Josh) also of Man, West Virginia, and brother Justin Saunders (Carla) of Eleanore, West Virginia.
Lonnie was preceded in death by his father Herbert Saunders and mother Geneva Newsome.
Friends may call Thursday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel – 3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain. Visitors will be required to wear facial coverings and all guests are asked to follow the Covid-19 guidelines displayed at the funeral home entrance and throughout the building. The visitation will conclude with a moment of prayer conducted by Revered Tom Spaulding.
Memorial contributions should be directed to Lonnie’s family.
To share your personal memories and condolences, please visit www.gluvna.net.