Lonnie C. Rea

Lonnie C. Rea age 92, of Lincoln, Nebraska (formerly of Plainview, NE) passed peacefully Wednesday February 26, 2014. Born August 26, 1921 to Melvin and Adah Rea in Floyd, New Mexico. He was raised in rural New Mexico and graduated from Floyd High School in 1940. He joined the Army Corps in 1942 and served throughout World War II. He was honorably discharged November 30, 1945.

Lonnie married Alta Cleora Petersen on July 31, 1943 in Clovis, New Mexico. They lived most of their life in the Plainview Area where Lonnie farmed, had a trucking business and worked for the USDA Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. Lonnie also drove buses for Plainview Public Schools for over 25 years. Lonnie and Alta were married for 64 years before Alta’s death in 2007.

Lonnie moved to Lincoln, NE in 2008 and lived at Clark Jeary Retirement Community until his passing. He enjoyed attending and watching Husker events, playing cards and dominos, and gardening.

His parents; brothers Reasy, Blonnie and Lloyd; sisters Lillie Martin, Grace Pierce and Jewell Terry; and a daughter and son-in-law Barbara and Bill Kelly, son-in-law JC Carpenter and grandson Todd Carpenter preceded Lonnie in death.

Surviving family members include Lonald and Judy Rea of Lincoln; Robert Rea and Rhonda Holloway of Dallas, Texas; Donna Carpenter of Neligh; JoAnn and Derrel Martin of Lincoln; James and Melissah Rea of Omaha; and Steve Rea and Nick McCarthy of Lockport, Ill, thirteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a special family friend Neva Landon.

Pastor Lana Fong presided over the graveside services on March 1, 2014. Burial was in Pleasant View Cemetery in Plainview, Nebraska. Memorial suggestions in lieu of flowers include the Clark Jeary Activity Memorial Fund (8401 So. 33rd, Lincoln, NE 68516) or a charity to be determined by the family.