Lon Cavanaugh, 55, passed away at home on Thursday evening, July 11, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 20, 1969 in Harlan, Iowa to Donna Dreher and Richard Cavanaugh. He married Sandra Guyre on August 7, 1997.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and a loyal friend. He was a very accomplished automotive painter, which was suited to his creative and problem solving personality. He had a great love of fishing and hunting, he never met a stranger and his quick wit, humor and fighting spirit will be greatly missed. He lost his short battle with cancer and we will forever feel his absence.
He is survived by Sandra (wife), Brooke & Ryan (children), Braxton, Aidan & Aziah (grandchildren), Hudson & Memphis (great grandchildren), Donna (mother), Scott & Tony (brothers), nieces, nephews and other family and friends.
He is preceded in death by Richard (father), Dakota (son)
Celebration of Life services pending at a later date..
6 Comments
I have known lawn since I was 16 years old. I’m 50 years old now 34 years she painted one of my first mini trucks, and then my best friend for many of years. We’ve had a great friendship together. My heart goes out to all the family my heart hurts for all of you, because I loved him as much as you loved him, I do not know what to do without hearing his voice going to lunches with them bothering them at work. He’s always been part of my family loved me my wife and my autistic child Nico, Santana Antonio has been part of his life he will he will be very missed very, very, very very much
Lon was my greatest mentor, his teaching and advice has gotten me far in the auto refinishing industry and in life. I’m training people now like he did for me, and I often find myself quoting him. I also can’t help but hear his witty jokes and occasionally politically incorrect sayings in my head and laugh.
In addition to being my mentor, he was also a dear friend. We had some great camping trips and horse rides. One that sticks out, we were riding looking for antlers by his house and we weren’t finding any, but we saw a coyote. He asked me if his horse, Tex, had ever been shot off of before and I said yes—which in my defense was true. However, when Lon shot that gun Tex took off running and Lon had to be a real horseman for a minute. He had one hand in the air with his gun, and the other hand on the reins and he rode it like he was born to be up there. He got Tex calmed down and back to me, but he never let me live it down that I let him think that was a good idea.
Thanks for that memory,I forgot about that he had a good time with you that day!
We are so saddened to hear the passing of Lon. He was a great loving man, and nephew. So happy to spend time with Lon and Sandra in Tahoe two years ago. He will be miss! Thoughts and prayers to all. 🙏🏻♥️
I helped Lonniw learn how to paint way back in the mid eighties. He offed bugged me to do more then prime and sand. The day came when he took the gun and ran with it. I soon reakized the Lon had what I call ” God given talent” I refect back at all the late nights and beutiful jobs we did together for years. It was so refreashing to find a wonderful talent and friend like Lon. I still cant stop laughing about the time, when we took my boat of 32 feet up into the Unitas to fish a small lake. There were so many people starring at us went we carefully lunched it. The water in the lake must have come up two feet. We went the middle,drpped anchor,turned on the lights and music and fished are hearts out. I was so proud the watching him advance his carrier. This is just one of the many fun and crazy memoies from Lonnie. As I taught him a trade iam still in after 52 years he, taught me to put the paint gun down and just enjoy life. Lonnie my friend I love you and will keep you in my heart.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
Memories & Condolences