Lonnie Lee Norcross, age 72, of Calhoun, Missouri passed away at his home on Sunday, February 14th, 2021. He left this world as he lived his life, with pride and dignity. He departed on his own terms, surrounded by his daughters and grandchildren.  Funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 23rd, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Englewood Cemetery, Clinton. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Lonnie Norcross 4-H Scholarship Fund and can be left in care of the funeral home. Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com .

Lonnie was born on November 14, 1948, in Clinton, Missouri, to Lawrence 'Cap' and Lacy Norcross. Lonnie was born and raised on the family farm, attending Norris Elementary school until the 8 ^th grade. He graduated from Chilhowee High School in 1967. Growing up he was active in 4-H and enjoyed riding bikes with his best friend, Richard Waugh, every Sunday. During high school when not working on the farm he could be found cruising the square on Saturdays with Richard.

In 1968, he volunteered to serve his country as a US Navy Seabee. Lonnie served with Mobile Construction Battalion 4, building roads and infrastructure in Vietnam for 15 months, using the skills he gained growing up on a farm to improve the quality of life for American Forces in Vietnam. Lonnie was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1970 as a Petty Officer Third Class.

After he returned home from the war, Lonnie joined his father and brother, operating Norcross Farms, Incorporated. He dedicated his life's work to his family's farm, serving his community through his hardworking, humble, and selfless nature. Lonnie was an active member of the Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors serving as Chairman for several years.

Lonnie retired from farming in 2012 and in 2015 moved out to Calhoun, Missouri to enjoy the peace and quiet of the country at his small farmland named Sycamore Acres. Lonnie loved to travel with his friends from the Hawthorn Bank travel group, going on many adventures and making great memories. He could be found riding his Harley, mowing his yard, the neighbor's yard, and possibly even the side of the highway if he thought it was too tall. Lonnie's pride and joy were his three daughters. He loved taking his grandchildren on gator rides, 4-wheeler rides, and even pulling them on skis behind his boat. Lonnie had a heart of gold, was a man of his word, had a contagious smile and a one-of-a-kind laugh, all of which will be missed by so many.

Lonnie is survived by his three daughters, Corey Norcross, of Wathena, Kansas; Carrie Zwally and husband Michael, of Warrensburg, Missouri; Casey Becker and husband Michael of Ramstein Air Base, Germany; brother, Larry Norcross and wife Maril of Clinton, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Brandon and Bailey Schofield, Dylan Marriott, Ava and Owen Becker, and Gaige and Mya Zwally, and one great-grandchild, Koti Miller. He is also survived by nephews, cousins, and many lifelong friends. Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence 'Cap' and Lacy Norcross.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, Missouri.