Lonnie Lynn Cudworth, son of Irwin Capp Cudworth and Edna Pearl Peters, was born on August 21, 1954, in West Plains, Missouri. He departed his earthly home on April 8, 2026, at the age of 71. Lonnie was a member of the Odom Church of Christ.
After graduating in 1972, Lonnie joined the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Mountain Home, Idaho, and served in Thailand during his enlistment. In 1974, he married Rita Hambelton. After completing his military service, Lonnie returned to his hometown of Dora, where he managed Crossroads Store while attending Southwest Missouri State University. He later earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business and began his career as an assistant manager at Wal-mart.
In 1994, Lonnie began a new chapter at Dora R-III School, as bus driver and substitute teacher. His passion for education led him to earn a Master’s Degree in Education Administration. He went on to teach business classes for 18 years, touching the lives of many students before retiring in 2019. In retirement, he embraced what he often called his favorite job—driving his grandchildren to and from school, a role that earned him the beloved nickname “Grandpa Uber”.
Affectionately known as “the unofficial mayor of Birdtown”, Lonnie will be remembered for always having a smile on his face and a joke to tell. He spent most mornings at Roy’s Store, visiting with family and friends. Lonnie also spent many years raising cattle and running his combine in the fescue fields. He and Rita made many cherished memories exploring the country with dear friends Kelvin and Sharon.
Lonnie is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Rita; his daughters: Tammy (Doug) Collins, Toni (Brandon) Joyce, Teri (Jeremy) Emery; his grandchildren: Kylie (Quinn), Easton, Lathan, Ashlyn, Damon, Reagan, Adrian, Keena (Joey), Dakota, Kynslee, Kolt, Kansys, Titus, and Leroy; sisters: Juanita Decker, and Geneva (Otto) Hambelton, sister-in-law; Peg Cudworth; brother-in-law; Tom (Jerry) Hambelton; and several nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. He is preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws; Pat and Betty Hambelton, brothers: Charles, Neal, Donnie, and Mike Cudworth; sisters: Lucille Wyas and Louise Thornton; brother-in-law: Gary Decker.
