Lonnie Caplinger

Alonzo F. "Lonnie" Caplinger, 71, of Chillicothe, died at 7:15am Monday, September 28, 2009, in his home following an extended illness. "Don't worry about me. I'm walking through Heaven with Jesus." He was born May 1, 1938, in Ross County to the late Theodore David and Mary Louise Wasson Caplinger. On August 11, 1956, he married the former Wanda S. Shoemaker, who survives. Also surviving are their children: Larry Caplinger and his friend Althea Irvin; Carla (Mark) Pratt; Bruce (Becky) Caplinger, all of Chillicothe; and David Caplinger and Shannon Parker, of Columbus; grandchildren: Beth (Zack) Roy; Angela (John) Starner; Chelsee Pratt; Terry Tatman, Jr.; Nathan (Jennifer) Caplinger; Justin Caplinger; Lindsay Caplinger; Alex Caplinger; Cody Caplinger; Grace Caplinger; Brooke Irvin; Nick Irvin; Kindal Reader; and Skyler Sims; great-grandchildren: Nate, Gabe, Levi, Carter, Dylan, Logan, Caleb, and Nicholas; sisters and brother Barbara, Linda and Pearl Brady all of Columbus; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Norma (Kenneth) Sollars; Pat (Gene) Wisecup; Lois Peabody; Duke (Sue) Rinehart; and George Shoemaker; and many more beloved family members and friends. He was predeceased by his brothers Melvin and Larry Caplinger. The family would like to give special thanks to Adena Hospice for their wonderful assistance. Lonnie retired from CHILPACO in 2000 following 44 years of service. He attended the Bourneville Christian Union Church, was a member of the CHILPACO Union, Local 988 and a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Lonnie "The Magic Man" was an accomplished master magician. People of all ages enjoyed his shows for over 60 years. He traveled all over the US and even did shows in Bermuda. Magic was a joy for him. Through the years, he made many friends and every one of them was dear to him. Some of the highlights of his career include performing with Alice Cooper and Mark Wilson, traveling and performing for the Miller Brewing Co., performing in Bermuda and performing with his many wonderful magic friends. Lonnie performed many times at the Ross County Fair and fairs throughout the Midwest. Funeral services will be held at 11:30am Friday, October 2, 2009, at the Bourneville Christian Union Church, 10499 Upper Twin Rd., with Pastor David Maughmer, Pastor Randy Beatty and Rev. Gary Sollars officiating. Burial will follow in Twin Township Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday at Haller Funeral Home from 5-9pm, where a Broken Wand Ceremony will be held at 8pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Bourneville Christian Union Church, c/o Peggy Kimberlin, 3196 Windy Ridge Rd., Chillicothe, OH 45601; or Adena Hospice, 111 W. Water St., Chillicothe.
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