Lonnie Beers

Lonnie Beers, a master craftsman and carpenter renowned for his extraordinary skill and dedication, passed away on June 8, 2026, at his home in Milan. Born on January 7, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois. The son of Ewell and Phyllis (Bee) Beers. Lonnie was a man of hard work and determination. He started out in Southern Illinois as a coal miner for 15 years before relocating to New York. His career was marked by remarkable achievements, most notably his work in the early 1990s in Japan, where he specialized in constructing log cabins. During his tenure abroad, he built over 250 cabins, a testament to both his skill and work ethic. His ability to craft anything solidified his reputation as a master craftsman, admired by colleagues and clients alike.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Lonnie was a man who embraced life fully. He was known for his generosity, consistently going above and beyond to assist those in need. His inventive spirit drove him to create solutions that made life easier for others. A man of varied interests, Lonnie’s passions included motorcycle riding—beginning with dirt bikes and progressing to motocross and trail riding—and hunting, which spoke to his adventurous spirit. He was also a gifted musician, known for his singing and guitar playing, and a fantastic artist, reflecting a multifaceted creativity that enriched his life and those around him.

Lonnie’s love for his family was central to his life; he treasured spending time with his wife, Deborah Beers, and their children, Lonnie Beers Jr. and his wife Mona, and daughter Nikki Burton and her husband Mark. He took great joy in his role as a grandfather to Joslyn, MacKenzie, Peyton, Wade, Logan and his step grandson Brock Sturdivant He is also survived by his mother, Phyllis Beers; his brothers Marty and David, married to Karen; and his sister Danette, married to Michael Whalen. In addition to several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father and his sister-in-law, Darlene Beers.

Lonnie devoted his life to the art of building and craftsmanship, leaving behind a legacy defined by precision, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.