Ilion: David E. Lonis, age 88, of 113 Elm St., Ilion, passed away on Tuesday, November 1, 2011, at The Veterans Administration Medical Center, Syracuse. David was born on January 26, 1923 in Frankfort , a son of the late David N. and Eva (Gay) Lonis. He was educated in Constableville schools. On March 11, 1943, he married Betty Frankish in Ilion, and together they enjoyed sixty-eight wonderful years until Betty's passing on September 28 of this year. He was employed by Remington Arms, Ilion. David was a longtime member of the Ilion Elks Club. Mr. Lonis was a veteran of the United States Navy, and served his country during World War II in the Pacific Theatre on a destroyer escort named the USS Charles E. Brannon. His medals included the Victory Medal and the Philippine Liberation Campaign Medal. David loved cars and animals, but his special times were spent gardening with his beloved Betty and family. Survivors include two sons, David N., of Utica, and Mark E., of Ilion; five grandchildren, Kelly L. Lonis and Dana Alberico, of Syracuse, David J. Lonis, of Washington, DC, Ryan M. Lonis and fiancée, Hillary J. Bard, of Utica, Stephanie Lonis, of Florida, and Michael Lonis, of Florida; and two great-grandchildren, Maddox and Jeslyn. He also leaves his special friends, Larry, Phyllis, and Chad Murphy, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mr. Lonis was predeceased by his beloved wife and best friend, Betty; a son, John "Jack" and five sisters, Izatta Fifield, Verna Plunkett, Frances Wood, Thelma Braun, and Bertha Macomber. Funeral services will be held at 12 noon, on Friday, November 4, 2011, at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Rd., Ilion, with Rev. John Bassett, Rector of St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, Ilion, officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in Armory Hill Cemetery, Ilion. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, November 4, 2011, from 11 am to 12 Noon, prior to the funeral home service. David's fellow Elks will gather at the funeral home at 11:15 am to conduct their ritualistic service. In lieu of floral offerings, kindly consider a contribution in David's memory to the Herkimer County Humane Society, P.O. Box 73, Mohawk, NY 13407. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The family is being cared for by Kevin E. Enea, Funeral Director. To add to Mr. Lonis' online memorials, please visit our website at www.eneafamily.com on the internet.