Lonnie Lynn Cudworth, 71
Graveside services for Lonnie Lynn Cudworth, 71, of Dora, were held April 14, 2026, at Ball Cemetery. He died April 8.
He was born Aug. 21, 1954, in West Plains, the son of Irwin Capp Cudworth and Edna Pearl Peters. Lonnie was a member of the Odom Church of Christ.
After graduating from Dora High School in 1972, Lonnie joined the Air Force. He was stationed in Mountain Home, Idaho, and served in Thailand during his enlistment. In 1974, he married Rita Hambelton.
After completing his military service, Lonnie returned to his hometown of Dora, where he managed Crossroads Store while attending Southwest Missouri State University. He later earned his bachelor’s degree in business and began his career as an assistant manager at Walmart.
In 1994, Lonnie began a new chapter of his life when he became a bus driver and substitute teacher at Dora R-III School. His passion for education led him to earn a master’s degree in education administration. He went on to teach business classes for 18 years, touching the lives of many students before retiring in 2019. In retirement, he embraced what he often called his favorite job—driving his grandchildren to and from school, a role that earned him the beloved nickname “Grandpa Uber.”
Affectionately known as “the unofficial mayor of Birdtown,” Lonnie will be remembered for always having a smile on his face and a joke to tell. He spent most mornings at Roy’s Store, visiting with family and friends. Lonnie also spent many years raising cattle and running his combine in the fescue fields. He and Rita made many cherished memories exploring the country with dear friends Kelvin and Sharon.
Lonnie is survived by Rita, his loving wife of 51 years; his daughters: Tammy (Doug) Collins, Toni (Brandon) Joyce, and Teri (Jeremy) Emery; his grandchildren: Kylie (Quinn), Easton, Lathan, Ashlyn, Damon, Reagan, Adrian, Keena (Joey), Dakota, Kynslee, Kolt, Kansys, Titus, and Leroy; sisters: Juanita Decker, and Geneva (Otto) Hambelton; sister-in-law Peg Cudworth; brother-in-law Tom (Jerry) Hambelton; and several nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Pat and Betty Hambelton; brothers: Charles, Neal, Donnie and Mike Cudworth; sisters: Lucille Wyas and Louise Thornton; and brother-in-law Gary Decker.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ball Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, MO 65775.