Mr. Lonzo DeGrate of Hewitt, passed away Sunday, September 20, 2020.
Service Information:
Graveside service will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 26, at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Cemetery in Downsville. Viewing will be at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Downsville Saturday morning from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM. Viewing will be from 1:00 PM to 5:00PM at Lake Shore Funeral Home Friday, September 25, 2020.
Lonzo DeGrate, fondly referred to as “Tom” by family and friends, was born on May 15, 1949, in Asa, Texas, to the late Earnest DeGrate Sr., and Luella Fields DeGrate.
Lonzo received his early childhood education at Downsville Elementary School before graduating in 1967 from George Washington Carver High School in Waco, Texas. Following high school, he joined the United States Air Force in 1967. After basic training, Lonzo came back to marry the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Genette Matthews DeGrate on December 29, 1967. He then went on to complete a 4-year tour of duty as a military policeman (MP) during the Vietnam War.
Lonzo joined the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church at an early age under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Lovie Grimes. He loved Mt. Olive and became a faithful member and financial contributor until his death.
Lonzo was preceded in death by his loving wife, Genette DeGrate; his parents, Earnest and Luella DeGrate; four sisters, Lucille Brandon, Lutecia Tatum, May Alvin Pimpton, and Helen Marshall; and one brother, Almanard Jack DeGrate.
Lonzo leaves to cherish his memory his wonderful sons, Delano F. DeGrate (Olevia Ann), of Waco, Shannon DeGrate and Shamorgan D. Majors (Judy Comstock) of Seattle, Washington; five sisters, Verta Garland, Mary Bush (Darnell), Patsy Cromer (Albert Law), Penny Barefield (Robert) all of Waco, and Shelia Reed (Darren) of Dallas; one brother, Earnest DeGrate, Jr. (Florida) of Waco; nine grandchildren, Ebonie Stanley DeGrate, Jamar M. Goodman, Jah’Shard DeGrate, Delano F. DeGrate, Jr., Brianna A. Majors, Kaylah J. Majors, Chantessa Brinkley, Sincere DeGrate, Richard DeGrate; seven great-grandchildren, Armaya Stanley-Walker, Armorian Walker, Ayanna DeGrate, Cameron Goodman, Marleigh Coleman, Aurbianna Simmons, and Elson M. Clark; a loving and devoted friend, Victoria Butcher, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Place of Service: Mt. Olive Baptist Church , 9997 S. 3rd St.; Waco, TTX 76706
Print Obituary & Condolences
I’m so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort help you during this difficult time. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4 & Psalms 83:18). Jesus prayed for God’s Kingdom to come because He knew it would intervene to solve all mankind’s problems even sickness and death. (Revelation 21:3-5 & Daniel 2:45).
Del and Shannon-Please accept my condolences for the loss of your Father. My prayer is that our Lord and Saviour grant you all and the rest of the family His Comfort and Peace during this time. Lonzo will be missed by the Class of ’67 of the Rosenthal/ Downsville Schools. We love you all.
God has called you to Rest In Peace may he bless and keep you.You loved all your family with a big heart of love.They were special to you.Proud to be your first cousin.😢 may you Rest in Heaven.Love you always 🙏
Prayers to all his love oness
I worked with Lonzo for a time at Mars, years ago. He was a nice guy to work with, and we appreciated him working in the Stockroom!! I’m very sorry to see of his passing!! Thoughts/Condolences/Prayers to his Family and Friends!! May He Rest In Peace!!