Lonnie L. Clair

Lonnie Lew Clair, 74, a resident of Madison, passed away on Monday, July 8, 2024, at University Hospital in Columbia from complications following open-heart surgery. 

Lonnie was born on March 24, 1950, in Edina, the son of Junior P. Clair and Imogene C. (Parrish) Clair. On June 9, 1979, in Bethany, MO, he married Elizabeth Breazier, and she survives. 

Lonnie spent 32 years in education, teaching one year in Brashear and Orchard Farm and four years in Centralia as an industrial education teacher. He then served as school superintendent in Eagleville, Miami R-1, Milan and Madison School Districts. Having a servant’s heart and upon retirement Lonnie volunteered at the Food Bank at Family Life Fellowship where he helped distribute meals. He also was able to go on several mission trips to places that included, Brazil, Philippines, Albania, Turkey and Moldova. Lonnie loved Jesus and was faithful to his church, Family Life Fellowship, where he was a dedicated member and elder, serving as a Sunday school teacher and small group leader. Lonnie enjoyed fishing and hunting as well as wood carving, where he made many pieces for his family and friends. He enjoyed tending to his chickens and spending time with his dogs, especially his husky Buck. Lonnie enjoyed playing the dulcimer, making his own dulcimer and made several others for family members. He was an amateur bee keeper and an avid gardener. 

In addition to his wife of 45 years, he will be sadly missed and forever remembered by his two children, Nathan Clair and wife Tyrie of Savannah, MO and Paula (Clair) Ayres and husband Jonathan of Springfield, MO; two grandchildren, Hayden and Hadley Clair; one brother, Chris Clair and wife Penny of Marshall; two sisters, Linda Fowler and husband Terry of Moberly and Yvonne Lehnen and husband Hugh of Wellsville. 

Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Family Life Fellowship. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to The Food Bank at Family Life Fellowship, 1614 Hwy 24 E, Moberly MO 65270.

Local arrangements are under the direction of Pathway-Millard Family Funeral Chapel, 411 Union Avenue, Moberly, MO 65270 (660)263-7284. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.pathwaymemorial.com.