Lonnie R. Johnson, 69, Huron, SD passed away Sunday, August 20, 2017 at the Violet Tschetter Memorial Home.  At Lonnie's request cremation has taken place and no services are planned.

Lonnie Ray Johnson was born November 11, 1947 to Thomas G. and Margaret E. (Duffel) Johnson in Aberdeen.  His father worked for Armour and his mother was employed with Huron Regional Medical Center for over 23 years.  Lonnie shared his life with four brothers, Thomas, Michael, Jeffery and Jayme.

Lonnie first began his educational journey attending a country school in Beadle County and graduated from Huron High School in 1966.  He furthered his life experience by enlisting in the United States Navy in October 1966.

Lonnie then completed his basic training at the Great Lakes Naval Base in Chicago, IL.  After completion of his basic training he was stationed out of Alameda, CA.  He completed two tours in the Vietnam War aboard the USS Rainer and was the secretary to the captain (yeoman) aboard the USS Wichita.  Lonnie shared that his naval career took him to many wonderful places in the world.  He enjoyed reminiscing and looking through his naval papers throughout the year.

After Lonnie was discharged from the Navy he attended Bakersfield Jr. College, Huron College, University of New Haven Connecticut and Yale University for clinical photography.  Lonnie was always proud of his photographic talent and won a blue ribbon at the SD State Fair with one of his pictures.  One of his most memorable moments was when he met Barbara Mandrel at the Fair.

Lonnie was active in the SD Historical Society, a lifetime member.  He was also a Prairie Village Life Time member and a Disabled Veteran.  Lonnie became a resident of Violet Tschetter Memorial Home on July 27, 2006.  While a resident at the Home, he was busy in activities, spending time with his friends and active on the resident council.

Lonnie is survived by a brother, Charles "Tom" Johnson, Oklahoma City, OK; and his aunt, Bonnie Pierce, Belle Fourche, along with a few cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Johnny, Michael, Jayme and Jeffery.