Seaman who died in East Pass to be honored with monument

DESTIN — Twenty-nine years ago, Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Lonnie Jones died in the line of duty after his boat capsized.

The 24-year-old seaman drowned March 30, 1981, in East Pass after his utility boat overturned while he and two other seamen were heading out to search for missing boaters.

Now, a local man has found a way to memorialize Jones’ sacrifice. A lighthouse-shaped monument will be dedicated to Jones and his family today.

Retired Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Ken Wright started his project in 2007. He waded through bureaucracies of two agencies and raised funds for the 6-foot-tall monument.

The dedication will be at 5:30 p.m. at Coast Guard Station in Destin.

Jackie Jones, Jones’ wife, was only 20 years old when her husband was killed. At that time, she was two-weeks pregnant with their son, Lonnie Jones, Jr.

She said the memorial is more than just a remembrance of her late husband.

“I think it will bring closure,” Jackie said. “My son never got to meet his father, so this will mean a lot to him.”

Jackie said her husband was passionate about his career in the Coast Guard. She said Lonnie loved to help others more than anything else.

“He was very dedicated to the military and to all the people in his life,” she said. “I remember at the time (of his death) it was so frightening, scary. I still miss my husband.”

Jackie said the memorial will be the perfect close to the journey he had in his six-year career with the Coast Guard.

“He made the ultimate sacrifice, but he did it doing something he loved — helping people,” she said.

WANT TO ATTEND?

The dedication ceremony will be at 5:30 p.m. at Coast Guard Station Destin.