Alonzo "Lonnie" Buford richmond

Alonzo "Lonnie" Buford Richmond, 69, of Fulton, Mo., transcended on Monday, January 18, 2021, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loved ones. Lonnie was born September 16, 1951, in Fulton, the son of the late Paul Richmond and Patricia "Patty" Johnson Richmond. He was also preceded in death by two brothers: Infant Bernard Richmond and Robert "Bobby" Richmond. Lonnie was united in marriage to Ann B. Dailey on September 9, 1974. He was a member of Oak Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Guthrie, Mo., where he served as a Deacon, member of the Oak Chapel Men's Choir, and spearheaded the renovation and addition to the church in 2013. He also assisted in the Oak Chapel Food Pantry Program, was the Oak Chapel kitchen worker where he was the official taste tester making sure everything tasted great and looked good. Lonnie graduated from Lincoln University Laboratory High School in Jefferson City, Mo., class of 1970. He continued his education at Lincoln University prior to his transfer to Clatsop Community College in Astoria, Ore. where he pursued a degree in Oceanography. Due to an unfortunate diving incident he had to discontinue his training. He later returned to Fulton where he worked for Richmond and Sons floor covering installation business for 39 years. He also worked as a carpenter at the Harry S Truman Veterans Administration Hospital in Columbia, Mo. as a contractor until 2015. Lonnie was an avid outdoorsman. He grew up hunting, swimming, fishing, playing baseball and working on cars. He taught numerous local children to swim during his tenure as a swim instructor and life guard at Carver Pool. He coached girls' softball for 10 years. Lonnie was a member of Pheasant Hunters of America Inc., with members located in 10 states, a group chartered by the state of Missouri which promoted conservation of land and water fowl. He loved showing off his horticulture skills in his gardening, in addition to his outstanding culinary and barbeque skills which landed him the title of "Pit Master". A consummate comedian, he was the family storyteller and could bring tears to your eyes with laughter. It has been said that he knew something about everything and knew everybody. Lonnie's memory will be cherished by his wife of 46 years, Ann, of the home; one daughter: Alana Richmond, Columbia, Mo.; two sons: Burton Vaughn (Angie), Fulton Mo. and Dell Richmond, (Melissa, deceased) Lincoln, Neb.; three grandsons: Sgt. Austin Richmond, Fort Lewis, Wash.; Dontay Vaughn and Devin Vaughn, both of Fulton, Mo.; two brothers: Arthur Lynn (Trudie), Fulton, Mo. and Dorris Richmond (Cheryl), Gig Harbor, Wash.; four sisters: Bonita Law (Clyde), Frederick, Md.; Sherrie Jackson (Andrew, deceased), Kansas City, Mo.; Ruby Gardiner (Lance), Brentwood, Tenn.; Linda May, (Lynn, deceased) Lee's Summit, Mo.; one great-granddaughter, Carissa Richmond, Phil-ippines; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Callaway Christian Church, 2051 Silver Dr, Fulton, Mo. Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Rev. Marion Mitchell officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Oak Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, PO Box 582, Fulton, MO 65251 or Lincoln University, Cooperative Extension (LUCE), 900 Chestnut St., Room 103A, Allen Hall, Attn: Yvonne Matthews, Administrator, Jefferson City, MO 65101 (helps with the needs of small farmers throughout the state of Missouri). Online condolences may be made at www.debofuneralhome.com