Lonnie Wayne Oldham

1947 - 2017

Lonnie Wayne Oldham obituary, 1947-2017

BORN

1947

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Ellis Resthaven Funeral Home and Memorial Park

4616 North Big Spring Street

Midland, Texas

Lonnie Oldham Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 29, 2017.

Lonnie Wayne Oldham, 70, went to be with the Lord on September 28, 2017. He was born January 24, 1947 in Wellington, Texas, to William Wesley Oldham and Lanora Wilson Oldham of Quail, Texas. Lonnie was the middle of 5 brothers. The other boys said, "Lonnie was always momma's favorite." He was raised and went to school in the small farming community of Samnorwood in the Texas Panhandle. His brother, Leslie was his sixth-grade teacher. Lonnie drove the Samnorwood school bus when he was in high school.
In 1966 Lonnie joined the Army and was stationed in Furth, Germany, where he was known as "Tex". He was a cook and one time put cinnamon in the mashed potatoes and they couldn't figure out why they tasted burnt. After the Army Lonnie moved to Morton, Texas, to live with his brother Leslie and they both worked at the Bluitt, New Mexico, gas plant. He met Nancy Elaine Pugh in 1969 in Morton, Texas. Nancy could not resist his beautiful curls and they married on June 4, 1970, in Midland, Texas. They had two children, Clayton Wayne, born in 1972, and Rachella D'Lynn, born in 1975.
Lonnie had gone to South Plains College in Levelland to study welding, later went to Odessa trade school and then finished up his training in the Oilfield where he would sometimes work 12+ hours a day, 7 days a week. Lonnie and Nancy lived in Levelland, Midland, Denver City, and Carlsbad while working for various companies, before settling in Midland. Later he was employed by the Parks Department for the City of Midland. He would tell his bosses "don't tell me how to build it, just tell me what you want and I will build it". And he did. After 24 years with the City, he retired in 2009. After retiring, he worked with his son at Luxury Bath for several years until symptoms from a stroke in 2011 became more severe. Lonnie was saved as a child at Samnorwood First Baptist Church. He had been a member of Kelview Heights Baptist Church for many years.
He taught his children many "common sense" skills and values, such as "always take a jacket" and "don't you think you should tie that down better?" He was an excellent Dad to Clayton and Rachella. They both carry on his quick wit, teasing nature and love of gambling. He loved his kids, but the grandkids were his passion! He would do anything for his beloved grandkids, including making a "play yard" which included a tree house with slide, several different kinds of swings, and something he was really proud of, was a circle sidewalk around the big Mulberry tree where the kids could run and ride. He took them to Sonic, picked up after school, attended functions and ballgame, let the little ones "drive" his pickup in the driveway, and one time bought earthworms at Walmart to plant out back, so the granddaughters could dig them up.
Lonnie loved fishing, slot machines, scratch offs and talking about going fishing. Lonnie always loved baseball and was a coach for co-ed Little League at Greenwood. He loved working in the yard and just being outside. His therapy was watering the yard by hand, piddling in the yard, usually with a dog following him, sitting by his side or in his lap including Cinnamon, Sugar, Angel, and Precious, to name a few. He passed along his love and compassion for animals to Rachella and Clayton and the grandkids. Lonnie's favorite answer to the obvious question of "whatcha doin?" would be "eatin watermelon" or if asked "How long before you're done?" he would answer "I just like finishin up!"
Lonnie lived on Dr Pepper and enjoyed one the week before he died. I understand from a friend, that he started drinking Dr Peppers in his teens at "10, 2 and 4." He also loved sweets, especially his cookies.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Nancy Elaine Oldham, his son Clayton Wayne Oldham and wife Amy of Midland, grandsons, Colton and Cayson Oldham and granddaughter Malaney Shrum; daughter, Rachella D'Lynn Oldham James, and granddaughters Tiffany and Macy James, all of Midland. Brothers Larry Oldham and wife Sandra; and Don Oldham, all of Midland, sisters-in-law, Ollie Oldham of Midland and Carolyn Oldham of Medicine Lodge, Kansas; and brothers-in-law Mervin Pugh and wife Daphne from Odessa, and Tracy Pugh from Midland; special niece Jennifer Bartlett and children Aubrey and Brennen; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other beloved family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Wesley Oldham and Leslie Oldham, niece Valerie Oldham Schiff and sister-in-law Sandra Pugh Wilson.
Services were held Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Ellis Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating was Jeff Franklin of Kelview Heights Baptist Church. Interment followed at Resthaven Memorial Park, Midland Texas. Military services provided by American Legion - Earl S. Bailey Post 430, Odessa, Texas.
Pallbearers included Chaz Careins, Eddie Clinton, Lloyd LaBombard, Jerry Nichols, Mervin Pugh and Jerry Rice. Honorary Pallbearers included Tracy Pugh, Ricky Pugh, Sammy Pullum, and Brad Mann.

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October 7, 2017

Janet Raybon

Nancy, I'm so sorry for your loss. Lonnie was such a kind man and we enjoyed knowing you both so much. I know the coming days may be hard but I know Lonnie is rejoicing with the saints in Heaven.
Love and hugs,
Janet Raybon

October 5, 2017

Nancy Oldham

Lonnie and I met in Morton, Texas, on the drag. My Grandma lived there, and Lonnie was living with his brother, Leslie, and they were working at a gas plant. Two days shy of one year, we married the night I graduated high school on June 4, 1970.
Lonnie was never afraid of hard work. He was a loyal and caring man, who showed his love by doing. The kids always thought I was so spoiled (and I was) because Lonnie filled my car up with gas, washed clothes, went shopping, ran errands, dealt with trash (where is the dumpster?), and took care of the yard and vehicles.
He was always doing what he could to make Mama happy, and that certainly wasn't always easy. He was generous to a fault. Besides working unselfishly to provide for his family, anytime Lonnie received any extra, I received extra. He was always willing to share.
He was a man of integrity with a quiet, deep faith. He was an honorable man and shared his values with his family. He might not have understood what a mentor was, but he was that to many family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.
As I was preparing to take his wedding ring to the funeral home, I reflected about our rings having an engraved design on them. However, his is totally smooth, which shows how hard he worked for all these years.
One of the most important things about Lonnie and our 47 year marriage He STAYED. In the good times, the bad times, lean times, the boring times, the OK times, thru everything he STAYED. Stayed to protect, support, and provide for me and his family. We stayed. I was richly blessed to be his wife.

October 5, 2017

Carmen Robledo

My deepest sympathy to the Oldham family. I worked with Lonnie at the City of Midland and had the greatest pleasure of being his friend for many years. I have great memories of those times at the City of Midland Parks Department. He was a great man and I know he will be missed my many, especially his wife and family. Rest in peace, Lonnie. May God comfort your family in this time of sorrow.

October 5, 2017

Virginia and Michael Pribyla and hutcheaon

Nancy and all of your family, we are so very sorry for your hurtful loss of sweet Lonnie. I'm just sorry I could not have been there to say goodbye with a hug. Grieve, but while you grieve, celebrate what a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, friend and man he was throughout his life. A life of love, dedication and integrity is a thing of great beauty and pride. Rest well, dear Lonnie.

October 3, 2017

Lloyd LaBombard

I was honored to be Lonnie's coworker and friend. Lonnie was a man that would help anyone with anything that he could without hesitation or any recognition. I enjoyed his mentoring, his humor, and selfless nature. I would later go on to work with Nancy. It was then that I would understand that the entire Oldham family was a true treasure. I am proud that I call them my friends. Thank you Nancy, Rachella, and Clayton for allowing me to be a part of the celebration of Lonnie's life.

October 3, 2017

Janet Cullers-Covington

Saddened to hear of your loss, Larry. May God cloak you with comfort and understanding and give you and your family peace. ✝

October 3, 2017

David Sanchez

I am sorry to hear on the passing of Lonnie. My deepest sympathy's to the Oldham family. I had the privilege of working with Lonnie for a lot of years and I will always remember how he made me laugh. Lonnie you will be missed and thanks for all the Amish bread every Christmas god bless you and your family.

October 2, 2017

Cameron Walker

Very sorry to learn of Lonnie's passing. My thoughts are with his family.

October 1, 2017

Ester & Blue Gomez

So sorry to hear the passing of Lonnie. My deepest condolence to Nancy and children. Blue and I are sadden to hear this. May he RIP.

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4616 North Big Spring Street, Midland, TX 79705

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