Lonnie Neville Obituary (1936 - 2023)

Lonnie O'Dell Neville, born on June 23, 1936, in Butte, Montana, passed away on December 20, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. Lonnie joined U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve directly after high school and transferred to the Air Force in 1955. During his time in the Air Force, he was stationed in California, Japan, and England. After his honorable discharge as Airman Second Class in 1959. Lonnie was married to Maria (Ria) Elisabeth Langeveld Neville on June 26, 1964, in the Salt Lake Temple. They resided in San Jose, California, until moving to Ogden, Utah, in 1999. Lonnie served Santa Clara County, California, for 32 years: first as a Deputy Sheriff and then as an Adult Probation Officer. While serving as Deputy Sheriff, Lonnie earned a Master's Degree in Sociology at San Jose State University by working the night beat and attending classes in the morning. He defended his thesis "Work release laws: their provisions and purposes" in 1973. Hard work, attention to detail, and being dependable were character traits that Lonnie held dear, and they were clearly embodied in his professional and personal life. In addition to caring for his pet cats, Lonnie enjoyed collecting antiques and amassed a truly monumental collection of Pickard China and quarter sawn oak furniture. His massive antique hall tree, with bench, mirror, and coat hooks, elicited awe and wonder in the people who beheld it and despair in those who needed to move it. Lonnie is survived by his son, David Neville, and two grandchildren (Katarina and Ian). He was preceded in death by his father, Bert Neville, his mother, Ruth Neville, his beloved wife, Maria Neville, and his stepbrother Bill Neville. A viewing will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd., Ogden, UT followed by graveside services at 12 Noon at Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.