Lonnie Ray McGee

Lonnie Ray McGee, age 82, of Albia, IA, passed away on Friday, June 3, 2022, at the Monroe County Hospital in Albia. Lonnie was born on November 2, 1939, in Ottumwa, IA, to Loren and Mary Jane (DeVette) McGee. He was raised on a farm north of Lovilia and grew up attending school there. At the age of 17, Lonnie joined the United States Marine Corp. Upon returning home from serving his country, Lonnie worked construction and operated heavy equipment, even helping build Lake Rathbun. Lonnie was then an over the road truck driver for 57 years, driving for various trucking companies, including Crouse Trucking, Bork Transport and Farmland Co-op. Lonnie was a member of the Blakesburg Christian Church and a member of the Confederate Plane Association. An avid historian, Lonnie liked to read about history, as well as study genealogy. Flying was one of Lonnie’s biggest passions. He owned his own plane and flew his father to Germany for one of their annual trips to study history. Lonnie was a very caring and generous person, willing to help anyway he could and often making monetary donations to places such as Boys Town. He was a lover of animals. He enjoyed visiting with others and never knew a stranger. Lonnie loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor. Lonnie is survived by 2 children, Rhonda McGee and Zane McGee; 3 grandchildren, Sara, Abby, and Wyatt McGee; a sister, Cheryl Hillier; and a nephew, Jeff Jones. He is also survived by many other relatives and good friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Loren and Mary Jane; an infant son, Lonnie McGee Jr.; a sister, Judy McGee; and a nephew, Mike Jones. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service, with Lonnie’s family present to greet family and friends on Monday, June 13, 2022, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with Pastor Ray Lyon officiating and military honors provided by the American Legion of Albia, Melrose and Lovilia. A private family burial will be held at a later date. A memorial has been established to the Heartland Humane Society.

Lonnie Ray McGee

November 2, 1939 - June 3, 2022