Francis “Lonnie” Loren Dairy, 76, of Gates died Nov. 27, 2023, surrounded by his close family.
Lonnie was born to Francis and Winona (McCormick) Dairy on Sept. 17,1947 in Maywood, California.
Lonnie attended college and served in the United States Army with the 4th infantry division 3/12 infantry battalion Co. B as an infantryman tunnel rat from 1966 to 1968.
Years later, Lonnie revisited Vietnam and returned home to published a book about his own experiences in Vietnam, When Leaves and Men Fall.
Lonnie was also a freelance photographer and journalist for the Capital Press and The Stayton Mail prior to retirement.
On Nov. 28, 1981, he married Brenda Spenner and raised three children.
Lonnie was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association and helped to relocate the first Jordan Bridge to Pioneer Park.
His hobbies included his love for woodworking, photography, horses, and spending time with his family and friends.
Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents; son, Robert Adam; a brother and two sisters.
Lonnie is survived by his wife, Brenda; children, Tami (Gary) Schott and Melissa Dairy; brother, Peter McCoy; sister, Sara Whisenhunt; his closest grandchildren, Amber Hill, Brianna Denton, Caylee Alioth, Corey Titus, and Hunter Titus, along with many other grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A private service will be held.
Serving the family, North Santiam Funeral Service, Stayton.
