Obituaries

February 25th, 2025

Alonzo “Lon” William LeCates III recently passed away at his home at the end of January at the age of 81.   His date of death is listed as February 3, 2025.  Born in Wilmington on July 15, 1943 he lived a long life full of travel and adventure.  

Survived by his Daughter, Melissa Jenkins (Frank), Grandchildren, John LeCates (Juli), Dillon Jenkins (Emma), Jaclyn Stanley (Tom), Alexis Jenkins, and Great Granddaughter Willow LeCates.  Sisters, Susan Kerns (John), Kathleen Ulmer (Hal), and Fran Deeks.  Many precious nieces, nephews and their children.  

Predeceased by his wives, Ann Sullivan LeCates, and Vera Hall LeCates.  Parents, Frances E. (Dummig) and Alonzo W. LeCates II, Brother, Frank (Joe) LeCates, Sisters, Mildred (Midgie) Greco (Sino), and Barbara LeCates (Charles)

Lon was the third of seven children and was raised in Delaware attending Holy Rosary Catholic School and Salesianum Catholic High School.  He also studied at Army Finance School in Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indiana and Brandywine College.

Lon was drafted into the US Army serving with B Co. 1st Aviation Battalion/St. Inf. Division in 1968 at Phu Loi Vietnam.  He also served in the Reserves for the 374th Finance Company in 1969.  Lon started working for General Motors in 1963 and retired after 30 plus years.  He often bragged about winning the 1972 General Motors Bowling Tournament with his Team called, The Peace Making Quin’s beating out over 130 other teams.

Never one to sit idly by, Lon continued his career at Caldor, Kitchen & Company and General Electric/AstroPower/Motech.  Lon worked hard and had a profound work ethic.  Lon joined the FOE Club in 1968 when it was the Chester Eagles.  In 1984 he joined the Oxford Aerie #2666.  He served in the Office of President and Secretary of the Aerie.  He served as District Secretary for six years.  He became Vice President and in 2000 he became Pennsylvania State President, raising funds for various charities including Child Abuse and Cancer.  He referred to that year as the best in his life finding philanthropy personally fulfilling.

In addition, Lon continued to be highly involved in Local Districts and County Elections, serving as Inspector, overseeing the setup of election machines and the closing of the polls.  Until the day he passed, Lon donated to many charities including UNICEF, Wounded Warriors, various Cancer causes, Special Olympics, and an Indian School that had a special place in his heart.  

Lon was an avid hunter and fisherman.  At the age of 16, he bagged an 8 point buck weighing field dressed at 223 pounds in Delaware.  He was well known to see water out of his car window, and pull over for a quick cast of his reel.  No doubt he already has found the best spot in heaven to catch some trout.  

A Celebration of Life is planned for the Spring.

Charitable Donations can be made in his memory to St. Joseph’s Indian School, PO Box 326, Chamberlain, SD 57326.