Lonnie Ray Derden, 71, of Plano, Texas, passed away on March 29, 2025. He was born on February 25, 1954, in Corsicana to Lecil Sutton Derden and Eula (Hawthorne) Derden.
Lonnie grew up in Corsicana and graduated from Corsicana High School. He maintained many of those lifelong friendships throughout his life. Lonnie looked forward to Wednesday evenings, when some of the old high school crew would gather at the Old Mexican Inn to banter about all sorts of things—world affairs, golf, football, and more football. He especially enjoyed being piped in via cell phone—lots of good times and laughs.
Following high school, Lonnie pursued higher education at East Texas State University (now Texas A&M–Commerce), which gave him a bit of grief as he was a rabid UT fan! He earned a bachelor’s degree in business and was a member of the KA fraternity. He enjoyed staying connected, especially during the annual golf tournaments.
On July 21, 1984, Lonnie married the love of his life, Donna Davis, and became a step-parent to Michael and Shawn. Donna loved to say, “He didn’t choose me, he chose us.” Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and a shared passion for creating a lasting legacy of family and friendships. He delighted in the grandkids calling him “Big Daddy.”
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to a distinguished career in sales and business ownership, where he won many awards. He successfully built and sold two software companies.
Lonnie spent many years volunteering in the multifamily housing industry. He served on the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas (AAGD) Board of Directors, was the Product & Services Chairman, and acted as a delegate to both the Texas Apartment Association (TAA) and the National Apartment Association (NAA). During his time with AAGD, he created the first annual AAGD Golf Tournament & Auction and the AAGD Holiday Toy Drive, which continues to this day—collecting and donating thousands of toys to families in need. He truly loved his involvement and the many friends he made.
He loved his family. In addition to Donna, he leaves behind Michael Davis and children, Pierce and London Olivia; Shawn Davis (Carly) and children, Jack Davis and bonus grands Taylor and Corbin; his sisters, Maureen Masters and Suzy Weiss (Gary); the Cupples/Gordon family in Memphis; many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly; niece Debbie (Bubba) Lapeyrouse, who was more like a sister and all the fur babies in his life, especially his beloved Sofi Sugar Bear.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Maxine Nicolas and Glenda Hall; brother, Jimmy (Mary Jo).
Special thanks to the many friends for their outpouring of love—especially his Association friends, Wine & Dine Group, Corner Wine friends (we’ll miss those “Board Meetings”), Brooke and Tom Day, and our precious godchildren Lexi Day Daniel and Siler Day. He loved Pebble Beach and Napa Valley, so hit a few golf balls and lift a glass of good wine in his honor. Lonnie was a man of faith and always had a positive outlook on life. We will miss him terribly.
A celebration of life will be held at 2:00PM-4:00PM, Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Renaissance Dallas Addison Hotel, 15201 Dallas Parkway Addison, Texas 75001.