Lonnie Tilson

Lonnie Gene Tilson, 95 of Whitney, Texas passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Lonnie was born in Estelline,Texas on October 30, 1929, to Roy Rueben Tilson and Robbie Mae Payne Tilson. He graduated from Borger High School in 1949. He served in the United States Navy from 1950 to 1954, serving on the USS Midway. In May of 1952 he married Patricia Louise Woodfill of Pampa, Texas and they were married for 72 years.

Lonnie continued his education graduating from Frank Phillips College and West Texas State University (West Texas A&M) in Canyon Texas earning his Master’s degree in Administrative Education. He began his career as a teacher in Amarillo. After teaching for several years, he began a long career with the federal government, working in the Social Security Administration and retiring from the Administration on Aging in Dallas, Texas. He was a member of the Richland Hills United Methodist Church (now City Point United Methodist Church). He made many lifelong dear friends whose love and support remained important to him through the years, including his beloved “Borger 49ers” from his high school graduating class.

After retirement, he went on to pursue many interests including tour bus driver, driver’s education instructor, real estate broker, and a private pilot co-owning his own Cessna-210. He and his wife moved to Whitney Texas in 1996 where he built their steel framed house with his high school friend. Dick Washburn. He and Pat have lived in Whitney for 29 years. He was a man of many interests and passions but none as great as being Gampi to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. His love for his entire family and friends was immeasurable.

He had a compassion and love for animals and volunteered and supported Paw Pals of Hill County, Hillsboro, Texas, serving on their Board of Directors for several years. He was always willing and the first to help family, friends and strangers with his money, time, and support. He was a brilliant man, voracious reader, and super handyman and mechanic.

He is survived by his wife Patricia, two daughters Cynthia Culmo (Mark) of Fort Worth and Gaylene Schueneman (Herb) of North Richland Hills. His beloved grandchildren, Dru Donnell (Tiffany) of McKinney and Briana Waters (Dustin) of Marietta, Georgia. His two so loved great-grandchildren, Denver Donnell and Audrey Waters. Sisters Dorislene Price of Spearville Kansas, and Elaine Feese (Charlie) of Olathe, Kansas, brother Leo Tilson (Hilda) of Hackett Arkansas. Sister-in-law Sandi Woodfill ( Georgina Alves) of Tulare, California. Numerous nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, brothers Finas Tilson and Joe Tilson, his brother-in-law Wyndel Price and sisters-in-law Robbie Harvey and Nell Tilson.

Our heartfelt love and gratitude go to his caregivers Ms. Pat Eaker and Mr. Lawrence (Bud) Wilson of Whitney, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please support your local hospice of choice, the Alzheimer’s Association or Paw Pals of Hill County, Hillsboro, Texas.

Interment will be at a later date in Borger, Texas.