Lonnie Crawford

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Lonnie Dean Crawford, 74, was born April 17, 1948, in Junction City, Kansas to the union of Emmitte and Leola Jones Crawford. He passed away November 14, 2022 in Joplin of complications from COPD.

Lonnie graduated from Carthage High School in 1966. He served in the Army from 1968 to 1971 at Fort Leonard Wood, attached to the 399 th Army Band. Lonnie attended the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Missouri Southern State College.

Lonnie met Lea Schroer on a blind date in Joplin in 1993, and they were married on October 19, 2001, in Sarasota, Florida.

Over the years, Lonnie played saxophone with many area bands. A few were Uncle Wally, Shadow Rock, Tears of Joy, Sophistafunk, Cottonmouth, Inside Out, Crossfire, Tight Fit, Mama’s Lil’ Boss, The Dreamers, Nation, The Heaters, The Park Street Band, Slick Alibi, Ratty La Grue, Silent Partner, World Machine, Loose Change, Mudcat, Sober as a Judge, 32nd Street Blues Band, and Geritol 5. He was one of the best saxophone players around.

Besides his wife, Lonnie is survived by his sister, Sherry Murray, and her husband Bill. Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents, as well as the dogs Lucy and Suzie and cat Sadie.

Lonnie’s wishes were to be cremated. Memorial donations may be made to the Joplin Humane
Society.