Obituary of Lonnie Dean Dutton, Sr.
Lonnie Dean Dutton, Sr., age 82, of Golconda, IL passed away in Harrisburg, IL on November 4, 2019. Lonnie was born June 9, 1937 on Rock Creek near Cave-in-Rock to Kenneth and Nellie (Rash) Dutton.
While attending college he met and married Wilma (McGill) and upon graduation he began his teaching and coaching career at the age of 21 in Hardin County. Over the next 35 years of coaching, his boys’ basketball teams won nearly 500 games. The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association cited that only four coaches won over 300 games in the history of the Greater Egyptian Conference and he was one of the four. In 1994 he was inducted into the Illinois Coaches Association Hall of Fame. While also coaching cross country teams he had 96 dual meet wins, one undefeated boys’ team and two undefeated girls’ teams and five Class A boys or girls Invitational Champions. After retiring he assisted coaching Pope County girls’ basketball for several years.
He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 60 years, Wilma in 2017; his parents; two brothers , Mitchell and Doyle Dutton; step-mother, Electa Dutton; and step-sister, Judy Tyre.
He is survived by his four children Pam Keeling of Paducah, Dean (Kathi) Dutton of Harrisburg, Kirk Dutton and Kevin (Melanie) Dutton of Metropolis; 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren and step-brother, Lloyd (Sherry) Tyre.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 8, 2019 at Aly Funeral Home in Eddyville, IL. Burial will follow in the Palestine Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, November 7, 2019 at the funeral home. Masonic funeral rites will be 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 7, 2019 at the funeral home.
So sorry for the families loss. Coach was a great man and I have always considered him a mentor. Loved playing for him, learning the game of basketball which was a joy for me. I Have relayed many stories of the years to people who have worked with me and for me about Coach Dutton. He was a man of principles. Do what’s right! Always be there for the team! Prayers to the family. Coach will be missed…..