Alonzo “Lonnie” Floyd Quinn, 95 years of age, of Oxford, passed away on Friday, October 11th, 2024, at Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege, Nebraska. Alonzo, the oldest of three children, was born on June 16th, 1929, to Floyd and Mary (Willey) Quinn in Oxford, Nebraska.
Alonzo graduated with the class of 1948 from Edison Schools. After graduating he worked until his induction into the Army, serving in Alaska from 1953-1954. On April 23rd, 1952, he was united in marriage to Norma Jean Mays in Phillipsburg, Kansas, whom he had met while attending a dance in Orleans, Nebraska. They were blessed with 4 children, Tuwanna, Lonnie “Boots”, Rick, and Terry. During the first couple of years of marriage, they lived in Anchorage, Alaska before relocated to Edison, Nebraska and then in 1977 they moved to Oxford. Alonzo was a natural born worker who never wanted to be idle. He was versed in many trades – in his younger years working alongside his brother helping their parents in the fields and milking cows, he then moved on to plumbing, electric, moving homes, building homes and many called on him for help with anything that needed fixed, as there was nothing he couldn’t do. His next employment was with Frenchman-Cambridge Irrigation, where he supervised several young men in the summer months. Alonzo enjoyed playing sports and later in life enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren. After the passing of his wife in January of 1999, he resided primarily in the Hastings, Nebraska area, where he enjoyed attending dances, and there he met Eileen Kolbet and began a 20-year companionship. Her family also held a special place in his life.
Alonzo was a loving, caring father and grandfather who loved spending time with his children and grandchildren (which always included a “little” work, paid for with a candy bar and a pop). Alonzo’s greatest passion was training, running and owning racehorses, establishing many lifelong relationships. In 1976, he began running racehorses in circuits throughout Nebraska and then Iowa, Oklahoma, and Texas. In 2017 at the age of 88, he won the Nebraska Queen Stake race in Omaha. Alonzo had a great sense of humor and if you spent much time around him, you most likely heard some colorful language and always had a good laugh. In his later years, he resided at Holdrege Memorial Homes, where he enjoyed interacting with the staff.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, brother Gerald (Joan), wife Norma Jean, and sons Terry and Boots. Alonzo is survived by brother Dennis Quinn of Ogallala, sister in law Janice Vahle of Phillipsburg, Kansas, daughter Tuwanna (Jerry) Hammond of Oxford, son Rick (Lori) Quinn of San Tan Valley, Arizona, daughter in law Bernie Quinn of Oxford, daughter in law Deana Varney (Jeff) of Loup City, grandchildren Heath (Kendra) Hammond, Brett (Megan) Hammond, all of Oxford, Jeret Hammond of Grand Island. Jesse Quinn of San Tan Valley, Arizona, Reve’ (Mike) Fries of Alliance, Brandon (Brittany) Quinn of San Tan Valley, Arizona, Haley (Jared) Booe, Chase (Lacey) Quinn all of Oxford. Carter (Mandy) Quinn of Omaha, Taylor Quinn of Loup City, and Tucker (Kaylea) Quinn, also of Loup City. Step-grandchildren Brent Hammond of Oxford and Dan Hammond of Nebraska City. Great grandchildren Bregan, Braxton, Brecklyn, Kaden, Jace, Paisley, Jaxon, Tatum, Janae, Jorja, Madison, Aschen, Aniston, Jaden, Brianna, Halle, Beckum, Gage, Alivia, Brooklyn, Maycen, Emercen, Lawsyn, Kannon, Teagan and Piper and many other relatives. Also, close friend Eileen Kolbet and family of Hastings.