Alonzo Surrette, Jr.

Alonzo Surrette, Jr., affectionately known as Lonnie and, to many, simply Surrette, was born on September 2, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late Alonzo Surrette Sr. and Edith Lillian Surrette. On September 12, 2026, in Bridgeton, Missouri, he passed into the loving arms of his Lord.

Raised in the Rock Springs district of South St. Louis City, Alonzo was the second oldest and only son of his parents’ union. He was educated in the St. Louis Public School System, completing his elementary education at Rock Springs Elementary School before attending O'Fallon Technical High School. He also continued his education through college courses, a reflection of his intelligence, hardworking nature, and desire to keep learning.

At an early age, Alonzo accepted Christ and became a member of Fifth Missionary Baptist Church. His faith became an important part of his foundation and remained woven through the life he lived. He was known as a loving, patient, faithful, and patriotic man who loved his family deeply and loved God with sincerity.

Alonzo also served his country with pride. Drafted into the United States Army, he answered the call to service and completed tours of duty in Vietnam and Korea from 1966 to 1968. He was honorably discharged in 1968, carrying with him a deep sense of pride in having served his nation.

He loved life and knew how to enjoy it. Alonzo was an avid sports fan who enjoyed football, baseball, and basketball—whatever sport was in season. Whether cheering on his favorite teams with friends or watching from the comfort of home, he brought enthusiasm and joy to every game. His love of sports extended beyond the television screen. For more than ten years, he proudly played shortstop for the Continental Can Hornets, building friendships and memories that lasted long after the final inning. Baseball also became a family bond, and he especially enjoyed playing alongside his beloved wife, Diane, and his stepson, Jason.

He had an adventurous spirit and delighted in life’s simple pleasures. Alonzo loved camping and often joked, “You have not lived until you slept under the stars.” He was also a true lover of music, especially R&B, and took great pride in his album collection. Those who knew him understood that he had a genuine appreciation for good music and good times shared with others.

One of Alonzo’s greatest joys was cooking on the grill. He considered himself a master of it, and his family would have readily agreed. He was always a favorite at family reunion picnics, where he proudly prepared his famous “Butt Chicken” recipe. He especially loved the way his wife, Diane, seasoned meats and prepared food, and together they cooked, experimented, and created new dishes. Their shared love of food became yet another expression of their love for one another, and their barbecues became cherished occasions for family and friends.

Alonzo also developed a passion for photography. Self-taught and dedicated, he worked diligently to master the craft and eventually turned that talent into a side business for a time. Through his lens, he captured special moments and preserved treasured memories for others, offering people not just photographs, but lasting reminders of the people and occasions they held dear.

Among the proudest blessings of his life was his marriage to the love of his life, Diane Maldonado. Together, they shared a devoted and loving marriage that was evident to all who knew them. Their relationship was a beautiful example of companionship, partnership, and commitment. He loved his wife deeply, and the bond they shared was one marked by affection, respect, and joy.

Alonzo always remained true to himself. He greeted people with a full grin and an upbeat attitude. He rarely complained and loved to share his humor, warmth, and jovial spirit with those around him. To those closest to him, he was more than the many roles he filled so well—husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, veteran, teammate, photographer, music lover, sports enthusiast, and grill master. He was simply Surrette, a man whose smile, laughter, stories, and zest for life brought joy to countless people.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Diane Maldonado-Surrette; his only son, Alonzo Surrette III, and his wife, Hsin-Yen, of Cypress, Texas; his granddaughters, Elektra and Athena Valentina; his stepson, Jason John, of Brooklyn, New York; his grandson, Javier; his sisters, Flora Jackson, Judith Owens, Beverly Lark and her husband Walter, and Sheila Dean, all of St. Louis, Missouri; his brother, Michael Dean, of St. Louis, Missouri; his mother-in-law, Carmen Maldonado; his brothers-in-law, Diego Maldonado and Marilyn, and Rodney Maldonado and Lamia, of Brooklyn, New York; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends who will carry his memory forward with love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alonzo Surrette Sr. and Edith Lillian Surrette.

His laughter will be remembered, his stories will be retold, his photographs will continue to preserve precious moments, and his recipes will be shared for years to come. Though he is no longer present in body, the love he gave and the memories he created remain in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Visitation will be held on September 26, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, St. Peters, 837 Mid Rivers Mall Dr, St Peters, Missouri 63376. A funeral service will follow from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the same location. Family and friends are then invited to a gathering from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, St. Peters.

Rest peacefully, Surrette.

You have fought the good fight, finished your course, and kept the faith.