Lonnie Ray Silva, 78, of King City, died December 28, 2016 at his home.

Born on December 6, 1938 to Francis and Roselyn Silva, Lonnie grew up in Spreckles, California and graduated from Salinas High School in 1957.  That same year, he married his high school sweetheart, Rosemarie Castro, the love of his life.

Lonnie worked hard to support his growing family, often taking on more than one job at a time.  He started as a beet train brakeman for the historic Spreckles Sugar Company in the late 1950s, was a driver for Joseph George Distributors, and then took a position with the Coca-Cola Company in the mid-1960s. He established his own Coca-Cola distributorship in King City, and the Silva family moved there in 1967.  Lonnie shifted careers in the mid 1970's working as a salesman for what eventually became South Valley Auto where he worked until retirement.

Lonnie's years in King City were characterized by community service.  He was a member of a number of non-profit organizations including the Jaycees and the Knights of Columbus.  He was a City Councilman as well as a Little League coach, yet Lonnie's greatest pride was his service on the King City Volunteer Fire Department.  He retired as chief after 35 years and his colleagues remain his extended family.

Those lucky enough to enjoy his barbequed chicken claimed he was the master.  Lonnie savored a good party, always the first on the dance floor, dancing "like no one was watching."  Playing Pedro at the golf course with his close friends was the highlight of his day – especially when he won, which was often.

Preceded in death by his brother, Leroy Silva, son Craig Silva and wife Rosemarie, Lonnie is survived by his daughter Julie Silva Dahlen of Paso Robles, son Steven (Kathy) Silva also of Paso Robles and grandchildren Carly and Will Dahlen and Spencer, Cooper, and Gabriella Silva.  Lonnie is also survived by sisters Iona Mitchell and Judith Foxworthy King, both of Salinas.

A Viewing will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at Eddington Funeral Services 429 Bassett Street in King City.  A Rosary will be held on Friday, January 6, 2017 at 10:00 am, followed by a Mass at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 504 N Third Street in King City.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in memory of Lonnie to the King City Fire Department or the ALS Association.