Lonnie Arrington
(Thomas) Lonnie Arrington, a man of many achievements and boundless passion, passed away on November 1, 2023, in Beaumont, Texas, at the age of 80. His life was a testament to the enduring power of ambition, innovation, and selflessness, leaving an indelible mark on both the professional, political, and personal spheres.
Born on January 20, 1943, in Carlsbad, New Mexico, to Katherine Juliette and Thomas Freeman Arrington, both hailing from Carlsbad. His journey through life was marked by resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Lonnie’s professional legacy shines through his role as the founder and President of Fabricon International, Inc. a company he nurtured for an impressive 47 years. From its humble beginnings with just four employees and a $60,000 payroll in 1976, Fabricon evolved into an industry leader, sought after for its expertise worldwide. Prior to his tenure at Fabricon, Lonnie’s career began in the mining industry, where he worked for US Borax and Kerr Magee in New Mexico. He later ascended to the role of Chief Engineer at Dresser Industries, overseeing mining operations across multiple countries. During this time, he achieved a remarkable feat, securing seven patents that ranged from a tunnel boring machine to the raise drilling machine and found himself involved in projects that ranged from the diamond mines in Africa to the subway system in Washington D.C.
Lonnie’s impact extended well beyond the boardroom. He was named Small Businessman of the Year in Southeast Texas in 1988 and served as the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce in Beaumont from 1994 to 1996. Appointed by the Governor of Texas, he also played a pivotal role on the board for the Lower Neches Valley Authorities from 1998 to 2015, working tirelessly to protect our community’s precious water resources, including overseeing the construction of the Saltwater Barrier in 2003.
A man of creativity and ingenuity and quick wit, Lonnie lent his talents to the Beaumont Kidmunity Players, even making Peter Pan take flight. His community service was further recognized when he received the Dr. J.C. Crager Award in 2017 for his selfless dedication to making the Golden Triangle a better place to live. He played an instrumental role in the opening of the Texas Energy Museum in 1990 and remained a lifetime member of the Cardinal Club at Lamar University.
Lonnie demonstrated a deep love for his church. His commitment was evident in his more than two decades of service on the finance committee and his tireless efforts in renovating St. Anthony’s Basilica. He was invested into the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher in 2009, a testament to his commitment to maintaining a Christian presence in the Holy Land. His pilgrimages to the Holy Land, marked by the Pilgrim’s Shell, were a cherished part of his life. His dedication to the Knights earned him the prestigious Silver Palm Award after serving as Section Representative for the Diocese of Beaumont for a decade.
In his leisure time, Lonnie was an enthusiast of vintage cars and found solace on the water, whether deep-sea fishing or sailboat races with the Port Arthur Yacht Club. He shared his passion with his three daughters, teaching them to crew sailboats, play golf, and work alongside him in the garage, tinkering with cars and various projects. He and his wife were also known for their dancing prowess and could be seen cutting a rug at many a fundraiser through the years.
Yet, it was Lonnie’s unwavering dedication to making a difference that truly defined him. When he encountered a problem, his immediate instinct was to offer a solution. While he took immense pride in his many accomplishments, his greatest source of pride was the legacy he leaves in his children and grandchildren.
Lonnie Arrington is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Kay Arrington; his daughters, Kim Arrington, Tammy Anderud and her husband, Tosh, and Angie Hebert and her husband, Luke, all of Beaumont. He leaves behind four adoring grandchildren, Kyria and Tristan Anderud and Poppy and Liam Hebert. He is preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Katherine Arrington and his brother, Donnie Arrington.
A gathering of Mr. Arrington’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, November 5, 2023, at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 6, 2023, at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, 700 Jefferson, Beaumont. His interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, P.O. Box 3309, Beaumont, Texas 77704 or the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, Texas 75284.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica
- 700, Jefferson St, Beaumont, TX, 77701,
- November 5, 2023
- 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Rosary
St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica
- 700, Jefferson St, Beaumont, TX, 77701,
- November 5, 2023
- 6:00 pm
Mass of Christian Burial
St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica
- 700, Jefferson St, Beaumont, TX, 77701,
- November 6, 2023
- 2:00 pm
Interment
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
- 4955, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,
- November 6, 2023
Mrs. Kay, Ms. Kim, Ms. Tammie, Ms. Angie,
My thoughts and prayers are for you and your loss. Mr. Lonnie always showed me great compassion, patience, and treated me like family. I know he is resting with our Lord, but that he will be missed dearly.
May you find peace, strength, and all the love from all of your family and friends.
Dearest Kay and family,
I came to know and respect Lonnie via the monthly Finance Council meetings at St. Anthony. He was always a very kind gentleman, as well as a very generous contributor of his time talents, and treasure for his Church. I know he will be greatly missed by his family, church, and all those who knew him.
My sincere condolences to my friend, Kay, and family. May Lonnie rest in peace and the light of Christ shine upon him always, and may the Holy Spirit comfort you as you grieve his loss. It was fitting that he enter the gates of heaven on All Saints Day! God bless, Mavis Fore
Dear Kay, we are so sorry to hear of your loss of your Lonnie. His was a life well lived. The mention of your names brings back such sweet memories of singing and sailing. The world was a better place with Lonnie next to you. May God grant you comfort and strength in the days ahead. Maranatha.
With love,
Cheryl and Gary Christopher
Kay, I am so saddened that you have lost Lonnie. I have long had great admiration for him from all of those years at the bank. He was so smart and so well connected in Petro Chemical Industry.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please give Kim, Tammy, and Angie my condolences.
Dan Hallmark
Tammy, I so feel your loss of your father. What a difference he made in so many ways in his lifetime. Now he leaves a great legacy in you, and all his family. He will be forever held in very high regard by all who knew him.
I always enjoyed chatting with him, He was a good customer of White Blue Print,,, Will always remember him and his talks…. My condolences to his family and to all that knew Lonnie,,, will be missed
Lonnie has been an inspiration to me for over 25 years. More than learning vessel fabrication from him, he showed me through his life what a devout Catholic was and proved to be a humble giant of a man.
Kay and family,
Lonnie gave me my first job out of college and taught me so much. Many great memories and friends from those years. My prayers to you all!
Dearest Kay,
Our hearts are broken for you. Blessings to you and your family.
With love and prayers,
Shirley and Sonny Riedmueller
Kay,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am sending love and prayers to you and your family.
Lisa
Many prayers and condolences to the family. May the good lord surround you with peace during these difficult times.
Dear Kay, Family And Friends.✝️
Rhonda and l deepest sympathy, and condolences to you and the family.
Lonnie was a legend in the
Saint Anthony’s Basilica Catholic church community.
As well as the industry of architect,
not only in Texas, but around the country.
HIs compassion was well recognized around the community, and the success of our county. .
Gods Grace and Peace To His Soul, And Comfort To His Family And Friends.🛐🛐🛐
Our Deepest, Sympathy, and Condolences..🙏🙏
Rhonda, Rodney
Kim,
Sorry for your loss you and your family are in my prayers. Peace be with you.
Christa
Enjoyed my 36 years at fabricon Lonnie was a hard worker, diligent kind boss. Kay & family and for all a sad loss . Even when times were rough would join in the shop work. When he clearly didn’t have to. My heart goes out to the family.
Kim:
I’m very sorry to learn of the loss of your father. I extend my condolences to you, Kay, and the rest of your family.
Dear Kay and family,
I am so profoundly sorry for your terrible loss.
I pray you will feel deep peace as you mourn the loss of your dear husband and father. I am unable to attend any of Lonnie’s services, but I will be praying for you as you begin to mourn Lonnie’s death. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Fondly, Peggy Green
Kay, so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you and your family will be my thoughts and prayers.
I worked for Lonnie a number of years my prayers to his family.
Lonnie’s ladies, I am so very sad to hear that Lonnie has passed away. I have so many memories of Lonnie at the barn and at horse shows. I loved his quick wit. Listening to all of you interact with him was also entertaining at times. He loved his ladies, and it showed in all that he did. I’m sending all of you love and hugs.
Lonnie will be missed by all of us. Our thoughts and prayers for his family.
Kim
I’m sorry for the loss of your remarkable father. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Mrs. Kay, Kim, Tammy and Angie,
My heart broke when I saw this. Mr. Lonnie was such a kind man. I know he will be missed terribly. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
I did not know Mr. Arrington personally, but knew his daughter of who he was very proud. Knowing Tammy showed, in part what kind of parent he was, and I’m glad to know Tammy.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
So many fond memories of Lonnie over the years. Prayers and hugs to all the Arrington family.
Lonnie touched so many lives in the very best way. We’re grateful we had the chance to know him as a fellow parishioner of SACB and friend. We’re keeping family and friends in our prayers; and wishing all moments of peace and comfort as we remember someone who was so very special.
My deepest condolences and sympathy to Kay and family. You are in my prayers.
I will remember Mr. Arrington as a strong family man who deeply loved his beloved wife and daughters, a brilliant industrial visionary of masterful business acumen and tireless work ethic, and above all – a devout Catholic and servant of The Lord. May eternal rest be granted unto him, and may he rest in peace.
With love and sympathy,
Tony and Cheryl Wisenbaker
Kay and family,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Lonnie will be dearly missed by us all especially at the cathedral.
I know he made many sacrifices to helping all those many years in the restoration of the cathedral. Plus was a guiding force on the finance council. Parishioners are indebted to him for his dedicated service.
Will miss his gentleman greeting at the front door every Sunday morning.
Love and prayers,
Mike Cacioppo
Lonnie was a wonderful man. May he Rest In Peace.
Lonnie was a fine community statesman, dedicated to his business and his employees through good times and bad and contributed greatly to the economic success of Southeast Texas.
I felt privileged to simply pick up the phone and call him.
Rest in Peace.