Lonnie Mack Hand, 79, of Great Falls, went to be with his Lord on Friday, October 30, 2020.
Lonnie was born on April 26, 1941, on the family farm of Alden and Jewel Hand in Clovis, New Mexico. He was a rancher/farmer at heart. While in school, he was in Future Farmers of America. He traveled the state showing his prize-winning Suffolk Sheep. After graduation from Clovis High School, Lonnie and his twin brother Donnie had their own trucking and custom cutting business and later raised cattle.
Lonnie married Sylvia Smith in Farwell, Texas on March 7, 1962. Shortly after they were married, they moved to Plainview, Texas and then back to Clovis, New Mexico. Soon a family of five children came along. His daughters, Lisa Cox of Great Falls, Sherry Heikkila of Choteau, Dana Hand of Great Falls, and Christine (Robert) Egelhoff of London, Ohio; and son, Darren (Shannon) Hand of Spokane, Washington.
A huge move was made to Dillon, Montana in 1976 followed by Great Falls in 1978.
Lonnie loved the mountains, camping, and fishing. He took great pride in his garden and having the greenest lawn on the block. For several years he worked and traveled with Special Olympics, which was dear to his heart. In the hospital even with Covid-19, he was witnessing to people and giving them hope. As our family gathered around him (by Zoom), we said our I love yous and goodbyes. He gave us all one last big smile.
To read the complete obituary and share condolences, visit the O'Connor Funeral Home website.
