Alonzo "Lon" Hargrove's Obituary
Alonzo “Lon” Hargrove was born November 11, 1933 in Dallas Texas to parents, John Buren “J.B.” Hargrove and Rosa Lee Veal. Lon went home on April 6th, 2023 and is now celebrating with Jesus. He was working all the way up to his last days.
Lon grew up in Dallas and attended SMU, where he graduated from on January 31, 1956. It was here that he met his wife, Barbara Parks Hargrove, who he would marry after graduation on June 23rd 1956. He joined the Airforce shortly after this and embarked on what would become a lifelong passion for flying. He served in the US Air Force as a Captain. He was a flight Instructor during his tour and was stationed in Georgia and Texas. Flying was one of his greatest passions and it was during this time that he gained some of his fondest memories, which he would often happily share with his friends and loved ones as he got older.
After the Airforce, Lon dedicated his time to running the family donut company, Southern Maid Donuts, which was founded by his father, J.B., in 1937. Under Lon’s leadership the company experienced decades of growth and success, including the opening of multiple international franchises in New Zealand and Japan. Throughout Lon’s tenure he helped maintain the quality of product and standard of service that made Southern Maid a household name, while also reinvigorating it with new and innovative ideas to adapt to the demands of a modern market. He was an incredibly hard worker and an honest business man and the company’s long lifetime of success and its respected reputation are a testament to this.
Outside of his work and military service, Lon’s greatest passion was his family. He enjoyed having large parties at his home, having his friends and family over to swim at his pool, or gathering for a nice meal. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren deeply. He took great pride in each of their successes, and offered support, solace, and guidance for their challenges. He will be remembered by all as a source of great comfort and warmth.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Parks Hargrove; his children, David Parks Hargrove and spouse Denise and Jan Steffen and spouse David; his seven grandchildren, Joseph Steffen, Kristen Moy, Lauren Hargrove, Jake Hargrove, Sarah Williamson, Allison Cook, Faith Steffen; and his six great grandchildren, Cali Moy, Piper Moy, Talia Williamson, Mila Williamson, Max Williamson, and Cooper Cook.
His last words were; my pre-flight is complete; Driver come get me….
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