Alonzo Jon DeLara

Alonzo Jon DeLara, 84, of Johnson Lake, Nebraska, passed away Thursday, April 5, 2012, at the Grand Island Veteran’s Home in Grand Island, Nebraska. He was born June 2, 1927, in Placitas, New Mexico, to Antonio and Florinda (Gurule) DeLara. Jon was a career Marine and served on the front lines in the Korean War. He was one of the Marines in the battle in the winter of 1950 called the “Chosin Frozen” and suffered extreme frostbite in some of those terrible winters. He loved country music and learned to play guitar as a young man. While stationed at the El Toro Marine Base in Lake Forest, California, he formed a western band and played local venues. Post-war he was stationed in 29 Palms, California and retired from that base. He then made 29 Palms his home and raised his family there. He also spent the next 20 years at 29 Palms working in Civil Service as the base gardener. Jon loved going to the Joshua Tree National Park, where he enjoyed watching the rock climbers, wildlife and having picnics. He was active in the Elk’s Lodge and was past Exalted Ruler of #2134, 29 Palms. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him. Jon is survived by his present wife Beth of Johnson Lake, NE; daughter, Ava DeLara of Sacramento, CA; stepchildren, Jim (Bridget) Kyle of 29 Palms, CA; Susan (Matt) Williams of Gothenburg, NE; Diana (Scott) Kline of Sun City West, AZ; George (Mindy) Wright of Lincoln, NE; Mike Wright of Johnson Lake, NE; one granddaughter, Ambra Cole; 12 step-grandchildren and 17 step-great-grandchildren. Jon is also survived by brothers, James (Beverly) DeLara and Bert (Rosemarie) DeLara both of New Mexico; sisters, Jane Denney and Vi (Bernie) Duran both of New Mexico and Darlene (Ray) Miller of Mission Viejo, CA; plus, many nieces and nephews. Jon was preceded in death by his first wife Eleanor; parents; daughter, Josette; stepdaughter, Cassandra; brothers, Max, Ephriam, Tony, Alex, Edward, Ben and one sister, Lillian. The Family has honored Jon’s wishes that his body be cremated. There will be no visitation. A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held Friday, April 27, 2012,at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Reverend Tess Hufford officiating. Inurnment will be held later in New Mexico where he will be buried near his family. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please go to reynoldslovefuneralhome.com. to share online condolences with the family.