Lonnie Mack Hand

Lonnie Mack Hand, 79, of Great Falls, went to be with his Lord on Friday, October 30, 2020. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Lonnie along with identical twin brother, Donnie was born on April 26, 1941, on the family farm of Alden and Jewel Hand in Clovis, New Mexico. He was a rancher/farmer at heart. While in school, he was in Future Farmers of America. He traveled the state showing his prize-winning Suffolk Sheep. After graduation from Clovis High School, Lonnie and his twin brother, Donnie had their own trucking and custom cutting business and later raised cattle. He had many different jobs over the years. He was a hard worker, whatever the job or task he gave it his all. Lonnie married Sylvia Smith in Farwell, Texas on March 7, 1962. Shortly after they were married, they moved to Plainview, Texas and then back to Clovis, New Mexico. Soon a family of five children came along. His daughters, Lisa Cox of Great Falls, Sherry Heikkila of Choteau, Dana Hand of Great Falls, and Christine (Robert) Egelhoff of London, Ohio; and son, Darren (Shannon) Hand of Spokane, Washington. In 1972, Lonnie ran for state senator of Curry County, New Mexico. A huge move was made to Dillon, Montana in 1976 followed by Great Falls in 1978. Lonnie loved the mountains, camping, and fishing. He took great pride in his garden and having the greenest lawn on the block. For several years he worked and traveled with Special Olympics, which was dear to his heart. He was faithful to attend Central Assembly, even in later years when his health was not always good. He had a giving heart. Always ready to help a neighbor or anyone in need. He had a nickname for everyone instead of calling them by their real name. When the kids had car trouble, he would ask them if they had the radio on. He will always be remembered for his great smile, wit, and sense of humor. In the hospital even with Covid-19, he was witnessing to people and giving them hope. As our family gathered around him (by Zoom), we said our I love yous and goodbyes. He gave us all one last big smile. Lonnie’s faith, strength, and courage will live on to all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sylvia; all 5 children; 14 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 1 on the way; brother, Ronnie Hand; sister-in-law, Wanda Hand; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alden and Jewel Hand; brothers, Jerry, Gorman, and Donnie Hand; sisters, Goldie Hogan and Sarah Sherlock; and son-in-law, Ross Heikkila.