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Lonnie M. Massey Suffolk, VA QCWA # 23725 Chapter 119 |
Lonnie Massey, W4PGO -- Chapter 119 member/guest, SK
Lonnie M. Massey went to be with the Lord on March 23, 2019.
He was born in November of 1918, in Delta County, Texas, the oldest of Mann and Leeola Massey's three children.
He is predeceased by his wife of 47 years Iris C. Massey.
He graduated from Cooper High School in 1937 and was a Retired U.S. Marine Corps Capt. serving his country in both WWII and Korea where he was awarded the Bronze Star with oak leaf clusters for his vital work maintaining constant and uninterrupted radio communications between all Marine companies and serving as an inspiration to his fellow platoon members; during the battle of the Chosin Reservoir.
Massey served on the USS Northampton heavy cruiser during World War II, where he used his skills in Morse code, radio theory and electronics. He and his crewmates served with the III Marine Amphibious Corps at the battles of Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Okinawa, Kwajalein, Saipan and Guam.
After his service he worked civil service in Radio Communications and cryptography. He was involved in top-secret operations, such as when he was selected to be a radio relay platoon instructor and helped train the original Navajo Code Talkers.
He traveled the US and world working on US Navel Transmitter bases.
Lonnie enjoyed traveling, some of his favorites places worldwide were in Australia and southern Spain, where the people were wonderful, honest and helpful. His travels eventually led him to his late wife, Iris, whom he met in Northern Ireland.
He is survived by his sons Robert M. Massey and wife Catherine, of Wake Forrest, NC and Julian M Massey of Homer, AK; and granddaughters Meredith, Olivia, and Caroline.
A memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 2 PM by Rev. Rev. Julie Anna Sterling at Suffolk Presbyterian Church, 410 North Broad Street, Suffolk.
R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory, 509 W Washington, Suffolk is serving the family.
Condolences may be registered at RWBakerFH.com. https://semperfifund.org/donate/
Hi Guys,
Although Lonnie was not currently a QCWA member, he was highly regarded by the members of Chapter 119, where he was a member/guest throughout his lengthy decline. Just 7 months shy of his 100th birthday, Lonnie was unable to participate in the Chapter 119 Nets as he had been doing when he was able. Lonnie was a very special person, who had significant military roles, and was a very popular amateur radio operator. Lonnie will be missed by many who, to this day, fondly recall the stories he would tell us on our nets. RIP, Lonnie.
I don't know what you might want to do with this former member who in now a SK. I'm sending his obituary in case you decide to add it to our files. Lonnie deserves to be remembered. Thanks for the consideration.
Vic Culver, W4VIC