Lonnie Stover

Lonnie Ray Stover Sr., age 82, passed away January 7, 2016 in Grove Ok. Lonnie was born February 21, 1933 in Altus, Oklahoma to Frank and Irene Stover. He has been married to his wife Velma Ruth (Peterman) Stover for almost 55 wonderful years and they have lived together for 27 years in Grove. Lonnie was employed for over 30 years with the Federal Service at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Ok. He spent 6 years in the U.S. Army 45th Infantry Div., 2 years of active duty and 4 years of reserve. He also spent 10 years as a Volunteer Monitor for OK Water Resource Board of Grand Lake. Lonnie was a loving, faithful and devoted man and member of the First Baptist Church in Grove, Ok. While living in Pink, Oklahoma he and a friend virtually built the education building at their church. Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents, his youngest son Ricky C. Stover, One granddaughter Hayley Stover and one sister. Lonnie is survived by his wife Velma Stover, three sons, Lonnie R. Stover Jr. of Midwest City, Jerry W. Stover of Midwest City, and Billy S. Stover of Eufaula, Oklahoma, 15 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and numerous family, friends and loved ones. Lonnie grew up in Altus with his mother's family. He was totally devoted to their care and well being, opting not to join in sports or activities that would cut into their family time. His deep devotion to his family is something he carried with him throughout the rest of his life and definitely he needed with such a large family. Lonnie and Velma fell in love almost fifty five years ago. Velma not only fell for Lonnie, she also fell for the four little boys who called him dad. They all set off on an exciting, memorable adventure together. Many weekends were spent splashing in the water at Lake Texoma. He so enjoyed watching his boys grow up and begin families of their own. If his grandkids were around he became a kid again too, which sometimes earned him a thump on the head from Velma, although that never slowed him down. Lonnie was a happy, gentle soul who loved to laugh and make you laugh. Your funny bone was sure to be tickled if he was around. His grandkids were big fans of the finger pop from his cheek and course the underarm noises. He was a master whistler. He loved watching comedies, westerns and mysteries. They kept a beautiful garden. You could always count on his vehicles being in pristine shape. He was a big fan of the Cheapo Depot. However he was an even bigger fan of root beer floats and sody pops. Lonnie was not a good loser! They often played Tic, a card game, which their friend Butch and he did not like to lose. Lonnie was an avid fisherman and he loved to play pool. Lonnie loved with everything he had. He loved his wife. He loved his boys and grandkids. He was loved by countless friends. We know for certain he was a man of God. He loved his lord and savior. He shared this love with others. Every week he was fortune to get to celebrate this with his many faithful friends at the First Baptist Church. We are thankful for every moment we got to spend with him. Every one of us are left with countless, precious memories to treasure. He and Velma showed us what true love should look like. They loved and cared for one another for fifty four years and eleven months. Their love will go on forever, inseparable even now. What a beautiful example they've set for their family. Knowing Lonnie and loving him was a blessing. We are all better people for having had him in our lives. Services for Lonnie will be held Thursday, January 14, 2016, at the First Baptist Church in Grove, Oklahoma at 2:00 PM with Rev. Jim Pasley officiating. Services are under the direction of Ellis Family Funeral Home, Grove, Oklahoma.

Service Details

Thursday, January 14th, 2016, First Baptist Church of Grove