Lonnie Claiborne Sr.

 Lonnie Claiborne Sr. was known affectionately to many as, ‘Top,’ or ‘First Sergeant’ highlighting his distinguished career in the United States Army. To many others, he was ‘Uncle Lonnie,’ ‘Granpa,’ or ‘Papa.’...however, growing up his family and those closest to him called him, ‘Buddyman.’ He was one of five sons and two daughters, and was born in Leesville, Louisiana to Sweetie Claiborne and Adell Claiborne, where he also graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Shreveport in 1954. The Claiborne family relocated to Los Angeles, California in 1955. There he would meet and marry Mary Kathryn Johnson in 1958. To this union, four sons were born: Mark Claiborne, Lee Derrick Claiborne, Lonnie Claiborne III and Chase Claiborne. Enlisting in the United States Army on August 18, 1953, shortly after high school graduation, his first assignment was in Reno, Nevada supporting stock & supply. Over the course of his military service, he served three tours active duty in the Vietnam War: the first from October 24, 1966, to September 28, 1967, and the second from November 28, 1968, to November 27, 1969, and the last from March 20, 1971, to January 28, 1972. His roles included Helicopter Maintenance Supervisor, Senior Supply Sergeant and Stock Control Supervisor. During his military service, he was stationed and assigned to various posts, including Fort Riley, Kansas, Fort Stewart, Georgia, Fort Campbell, Kentucky and the US Army base at Schwabisch Hall, Germany; his wife and sons accompanying him to each of these assigned locations. He was recognized during his military service numerous times for his commitment and personal sacrifice, as he was awarded the’ National Defense Service Medal,’ the ‘Good Conduct Medal,’ The ‘Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm,’ the ‘Expert Infantryman Badge,’ the ‘Vietnam Service Medal,’, the ‘Vietnam Service Medal with Device,’ the ‘Bronze Star Medal,’ as well the Meritorious Unit Citation, and the Valorous Unit Award. His last duty assignment and major command was at the Supply & Transportation station in Fort Ord, California, retiring as First Sergeant (E-8) on September 6, 1973. Lonnie Claiborne loved golf, fishing, watching football games on T.V., cigars…he loved expressing his pride for his military service and for all veterans, everyone in his family, and most of all…he absolutely loved and cherished - almost beyond measure - each one of his grandchildren. He leaves to cherish his memory: his son, Mark Claiborne (Ponchitta); one brother, John Claiborne; two sisters, Cora Blue (Melvin) of Carson, California and Roseann (Cookie) Claiborne of Gardena, California; grandchildren, Jason Claiborne (Eva) of San Diego, California, Jada Claiborne of San Diego, California, Tamra Claiborne, of North Carolina, Terrence Jefferey of Long Beach, California, Allen Smith of Riverside, California and a host of many loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.