Lonnie M. Boyd

August 31, 1948 – October 4, 2024

With heartfelt admiration and deep love, we announce the passing of Lonnie Boyd, whose life was a rich tapestry woven with unwavering love for others, wisdom, and charisma. He was a devoted father, cherished friend and revered leader. He peacefully departed on October 4, 2024, at CoxHealth Medical Center South, surrounded by his daughter Jennifer, son-in-law Matthew Wheeler, his loyal dog Dozer, and his beloved grand-dog Dexter. What we cherished and loved deeply will never fade, as all that we hold dear becomes a part of us. As Lonnie enters into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we take comfort in knowing that his spirit will continue to live on within each of us.

Lonnie Boyd was born on August 31, 1948, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Merlin Osborn and Norma (Ipock) Boyd. He graduated from Parkview High School in Springfield in 1966 and continued his education at SMSU (now Missouri State University). While working as an Operation Technician at Cox Pharmacy, he met Martha Wallace, whom he married on January 10, 1970.

Driven by a passion for healthcare, Lonnie enrolled at St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing, earning his degree as a registered nurse in 1976. He was honored with the “Best Bedside Nurse” award from St. John’s School of Nursing in both 1975 and 1976. Lonnie began his nursing career in the Intensive Care Unit at St. John’s Hospital, serving there from 1976 to 1979. He then became the Head Nurse in the Dialysis Unit at the United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners from 1979 to 1981.

On St. Patrick’s Day in 1982, Lonnie and Martha adopted their daughter, Jennifer, a day they cherished as the luckiest of their lives. Martha chose to leave her position as Dialysis Services Coordinator at Cox Medical Center North to care for their new baby, and the only suitable candidate to fill her role was Lonnie, who continued in that position for over 15 years.

In 1997, Lonnie became Vice President of Mid-America Transplant Services, where he found immense fulfillment in helping others receive the ultimate gift—the gift of life. A dedicated lifelong learner, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Management from Monticello University in 1999 and completed a Master of Science in Health Administration from Columbia Southern University in 2002. After retiring from MTS, he returned for a final chapter as Director of Performance Improvement and Risk Management at Lakeland Behavioral Health System, ultimately retiring again in 2009.

He was a genuine servant leader, appointed by the Missouri State Senate as Committee Chair for the Organ Donor Advisory Committee within the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for over ten years. In addition, he served on the Advisory Council for the Missouri Kidney Program. Appointed by Governor Mel Carnahan, he participated in the Presidential Malcolm Baldrige National Quality and Performance Excellence Program, where he played a key role in identifying recipients of the Missouri Quality Award in Healthcare. He also dedicated his time as a volunteer on the Medical and Safety Team at Clever Baptist Church.

Lonnie had an extensive array of personal interests. He both played for and coached several state championship softball teams. A true rockstar at heart, he displayed his musical talents on guitar, keyboard, and drums, and played in multiple Southern rock bands alongside his best friend Mark McClanahan. Some of these bands included Midnight Truce…The Band, Midnight Express, J & B Rare, and Rollo’s Review.

An avid fisherman, he competed in and won numerous tournaments. He owned a hobby farm affectionately known as Sorbak Acres, where he raised beef cattle, hogs, emus, llamas, chickens, and ducks. Visitors to the farm rarely left empty-handed, often taking fresh eggs or produce from his thriving garden.

For many years, he was a passionate homebrewer and winemaker, and he held certifications as a Pyrotechnician Operator and Display Operator, which he used for annual Fourth of July displays for family and friends. He founded the “Boaz Gun Club,” where he enjoyed friendly competitions with friends. At 75, he began competing in Steel Challenge Shooting Association matches.

On Tuesdays at lunchtime, you could almost always find him with the members of the “RZC” (a.k.a. Rusty Zipper Club). He also cherished Wednesday lunches with friends at Clever Baptist Church, where he participated in Sunday school and church services. Lonnie had a deep love for reading and studying the Bible, enjoyed tackling challenging crossword puzzles, and never let anyone win a game of Scrabble. Later in life, he developed a passion for baking and was known for frequently delivering cookies to friends. With his masterful storytelling and great sense of humor, he always knew how to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Merlin Osborn and Norma (Ipock) Boyd; his grandparents, Lon and Marguerite Boyd, and George “Cy” and Rose Ipock; as well as his uncle Rex and aunt Nancy Ipock, and his uncle Curtis and aunt Betty Ipock. He was also looking forward to a heavenly reunion with some of his closest friends: Alan Banta, Bob Bezanson, Dr. Tom Briggs, Kelly Brown, Bobby Cave, Terry and Ivone Keltner, Henry “Ski” Malachowski, Dr. Robert Saylor, Gene Summers, and Martha Thomas, his first wife and the mother of his daughter.

Lonnie’s legacy lives on through his only daughter, Jennifer, and son-in-law, Matthew Wheeler, along with his cherished dogs Dozer and grand-dog Dexter, all residing in Ozark. He is also survived by his cousins, Sandra Ipock of Springfield and Rexanna Ipock-Brown of Columbia, and is fondly remembered by his chosen family, the McClanahans. Additionally, Lonnie leaves behind a wealth of dear friends whom he cherished deeply.

The family wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and physicians at CoxHealth’s 3 West Tower (Allie, Amy, Ben and Haley), the Palliative Care Team on the 7th floor (Olivia and Jericho), and CoxHealth Hospice (Marley).

Lonnie’s family will host a celebration of his life on Saturday, November 23, 2024 with invitations to follow. Please contact Jennifer Wheeler for additional information.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one of Lonnie’s favorite organizations: Mid-America Transplant Services, 1110 Highlands Plaza Drive East, Suite 100, St. Louis, MO 63110; Rescue One, 1927 E Bennett St. Springfield, MO 65804; or Clever Baptist Church P.O. Box 116, Clever MO, 65631.

He will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who loved him.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home East.