Alonzo "Lonnie" Lewis French

Alonzo "Lonnie" Lewis French, born on July 8, 1942, in Silver Lake, Indiana, to Woodrow A.L. and Helen A. (Greene) French, passed into the loving arms of Jesus on August 21, 2026, at Stillwater Hospice in Fort Wayne, Indiana. His family and friends are now rejoicing that he entered the gates of Heaven.

Lonnie graduated from Laketon High School in 1960, setting the stage for a life defined by dedication, hard work, and a steadfast commitment to his family and community. His career as an electrician spanned forty-five years, with much of that time devoted to Formosa Plastics in Point Comfort, Texas. His craftsmanship, integrity, and attention to detail earned him the respect and friendship of colleagues and those who worked alongside him. Lonnie retired in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of professional pride and quiet accomplishment.

In 1961, he married Rebecca Jane Frantz, beginning a loving marriage until her passing on April 2, 2013. Lonnie later found companionship and married Elsie (Catt) Duffy, with whom he shared the later years of his life.

Those who knew Lonnie remember his profound love for the outdoors and the stories he fondly told of the past hunting and fishing experiences with his friends. Lonnie taught his wife, Elsie, to bow hunt for deer when she was 70 years old. He found joy and solace in hunting deer, casting a fishing line, reading a good book, and nurturing the birds that visited his yard. These pursuits reflected his gentle spirit and appreciation for the simple beauties in life.

During his years living in Texas, Lonnie was a member of the Assembly of God in Port Lavaca, Texas, where he found fellowship and spiritual support. Once moving to North Manchester, Lonnie attended the North Manchester United Methodist Church.

The loving memory of Lonnie French will be forever cherished by his wife, Elsie French, North Manchester; son, Dane Alonzo French, Lutz, Florida; daughter, Tyanna Lynn Barefoot, Huntington; step-sons, Chad (Jessica) Duffy, North Manchester, Sean (Cara) Duffy, Sea Cliff, New York, Martin (Trisha) Duffy, North Manchester, and Andrew (August Lumen) Duffy, Baltimore, Maryland; eleven grandchildren, Thorton Barefoot, Ember Barefoot, Senjen Davenport, Tyler French, Brandi (Ricky) Beavers, Owen Duffy, Finn Duffy, Tate Duffy, Trescott Duffy, Leighton Duffy, and Ainsley Duffy; five great-grandchildren; brother, Danny (Mary) French, Decatur; and sister, Joyce Lynn Kashima, Baltimore, Maryland. Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rebecca French; sister, Judy Murphy; and grandson, Preston Duffy.

Family and friends may call Saturday, September 5, 2026 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the North Manchester United Methodist Church, 306 East 2nd Street, North Manchester, Indiana. A celebration of Lonnie’s life will begin at the conclusion of calling with Pastor Andrea Lantz officiating. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. at the South Pleasant Cemetery in Silver Lake, Indiana.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Lonnie French, memorial contributions may be made to the North Manchester United Methodist Church, 306 East 2nd Street, North Manchester, Indiana 46962 or Stillwater Hospice, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46814.

The family of Lonnie French has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.