Lonnie Burt passed away at his home on Nov. 26, 2011 at the age of 101. He was born Oct. 31, 1910 in Box, OK, the son of James Richard and Alice Thompson Burt. He grew up on a farm prior to joining the Army Air Corps. He served as an airplane mechanic during WWII. While stationed in England, he met the love of his life, Constance Coley, and they were married in 1944. After receiving an honorable discharge, they made their home in Oklahoma, where Lonnie worked as a diesel mechanic for International Harvester until he was forced to retire at age 65. Lonnie enjoyed reading and was very active in supporting veterans. He was a member of VFW Post 9969 and was named Mr. VFW in 2001. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 73 and a member of the elite group, 40&8. Lonnie had over 7,000 hours of volunteering at the VA Hospital and the VA Center in Norman, where he was known as the "Banana Man" for bringing a case of bananas monthly to the center. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jim Burt; and two infant brothers. He is survived by his wife of over 67 years, Connie; daughter, Anthea Craig and husband Don; two grandsons, Todd Dixon and Kenneth Dixon and wife Tammy; four great-grandchildren, Amanda, Christopher, Megan and Louden - all of OKC; sister, Letha Scott of Okmulgee; three nieces; and his beloved cat, Mr. Bill. Visitation will be at the funeral home Monday, Nov. 28, from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. The funeral service will be Tuesday, Nov. 29, at 11 a.m., at Smith & Kernke, NW 23rd Street Chapel. Entombment will follow at Arlington Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a favorite charity.

Published in The Oklahoman on November 28, 2