Lonas Frey Jr., 85, of Pandora died 4:30 p.m. Nov. 27, 2009 at the Hilty Memorial Home, Pandora. He was born in Ottawa to Lonas and Bessie Epley Frey Sr. On January 31, 1949 he married Alice Warkentin and she survives.
Lonas Jr. and his family owned and operated the Ohio Dusting Company (aerial applicator) until 1986. He was a life member of the VFW and American Legion Post 63, a member of AOPA and the Quiet Birdman Org. Lonas Jr. was a WWII veteran. He served in the US Navy as a 1st Class Torpedo man on the USS Destroyer O'Brien for four years. He saw action at Normandy Beach and the Pacific Campaign.
After discharge from the Navy, he learned to fly under the GI Bill. Flying became his profession. He pioneered "Aerial Application" in the State of Ohio, being the oldest crop dusting pilot in the state. He always had a lot of knowledge to pass on to other pilots in general aviation.
Along with his wife of 60 years, survivors include two sons, Gary (Paula) Frey of Ottawa, Jeffrey (Kim) Frey of Bethel, a daughter, Laura (Gary) Luginbill of Ottawa, five grandchildren, Katy and Aaron Frey of Chicago, IL, Blake Frey of Mesa, AZ, Michelle (Eric) Brough, Pandora, Daniel (Candice) Luginbill of Pandora, a step-granddaughter, Megan Connell, Ottawa and six great grandchildren, Kirsten, Kasey and Karmyn Brough, and Ethan, Eli and Corin Luginbill. A daughter, Diana Susan Frey, a brother Richard "Bones" Frey, two sisters, Norma Diehl and Francis Bracy and a half brother Irvin Conine, preceded him in death.
Funeral services will begin at 10:30 am Tuesday at the St. John Mennonite Church, Pandora. Rev. Lynn Thompson will officiate. Burial will be at Harman Cemetery, Gilboa with military rites by the Ottawa American Legion and VFW.
Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Monday at Chiles-Laman Funeral Home, Bluffton. Memorial contributions may be made to Putnam County Hospice or St. John Mennonite Church.
