Lonnie Pete Bianchi

Lonnie Pete Bianchi, 47, of Judsonia, passed away February 11, 2014 in Searcy, Arkansas. Lonnie was born June 4, 1966 in Hanford, Califonia, winning every Halloween costume contest from first to seventh grade, while enjoying the Maypole dances in spring. He enjoyed swimming, baseball games, watching motorcycle races, and exploring the foothills with his sisters. Lonnie attended vacation bible school every summer in Avenal, and Calvin Crest Christian Summer camp in the Sierra Mountains near Yosemite National Park. He loved going to the beach, body surfing, jumping waves, collecting shells, and catching jelly fish. In his teens he moved to Helena, Arkansas and later to Judsonia, Searcy, where he called home. Lonnie was an avid outdoorsman; he loved nature and being a part of all its beauty. He has traveled all over the United States, hunting, fishing, enjoying time with his son, Preston, nephew Skip, and other family and friends. One of his fondest memories was shared with his father salmon fishing in Oregon. In the last few years Lonnie enjoyed working with Skip in the meat processing business they built. He was a skilled butcher, cook, and barbecue enthusiast. He was extremely proud of his work with Hunters Feeding the Hungry. He had a special bond with Skip, working, hunting, and enjoying life. Lonnie will be missed by all those who knew him. He was a very giving, easy going person who never met a stranger. His personality was warm and whimsical. His eyes and smile could light up a room, however, paled in comparison to his tender heart. Lonnie was preceded in death by his father, Pete; brother, Billy, and sister, Pammie. He is survived by his mother, Janet; son, Preston (Sara); daughter, Kimberly; sister, Laura (Earl) and Charliene (Mark); nephews, Skip (Jen), Jared, Kyle (Heather); nieces, Corrinnia (Chris), Brandie (Dennis); granddaughter, Octavia, and a host of great nephews and great nieces. He had many,many friends he enjoyed spending time with, giving a helping hand and sharing a meal. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, February 15, 2014 at the Westbrook Funeral Home Chapel in Hazen.