Lon “Lonnie” or “Cotton” Clary
Lon “Lonnie” or “Cotton” Clary, age 76, of Quincy, formerly of New Canton, died on April 16, 2026 in his home. He was born on January 26, 1950 in Springfield, IL, the son of Robert and Gladys (Francis) Clary.
He married Theresa Paullette Foster on February 20, 1971, a loving union of 55 years. They were blessed with one child, Sandy.
Lonnie started his career as a Marine Tech in 1972 with Chambers Equipment. He later went on to open River City Marine as a partnership. After the business was sold, Lonnie later opened AquaTech Marine in 1994. Lonnie transferred the business to his daughter in early 2026. Sandy helped her father develop AquaTech Marine over the last 29 years and will carry on the family legacy.
Lonnie strived to have a positive relationship with his customers and was very grateful for their patronage.
Through the years he was a member of South Side Boat Club, North Side Boat Club, and Quincy Boat Club.
Lonnie enjoyed hunting, mushroom hunting, boating, camping, and motorcycle riding in his free time.
In addition to his loving wife Paullette, he is survived by his daughter, Sandra (Greg) Clary Gilbert.
Siblings: Robert (Shirley) Clary and Janet Clary Miller.
Grandchildren: Dillon Gilbert of Blue Springs, MO; and Dalton Gilbert of Quincy, IL and his fiancée Shelby DeMent. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
Lon was preceded in death by his father Robert Clary, mother Gladys Clary, and brother Harold Clary.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 11:00am in the Duker and Haugh Funeral Home. A private interment will take place at a later date in Kinderhook Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm in the Duker and Haugh Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Mississippi Valley Hunter and Fisherman Association. Service arrangements are with the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home.
Theresa and family, we are so sorry to hear of Lonnie’s death. May he now be able to rest in peace in the arms of our Lord and Savior. Lonnie was a great man and friend and will be missed by all who knew him. May God provide you all the strength to endure the tough days ahead and may your many amazing and wonderful memories provide you with comfort. Gerry and Teresa Pickle
My sincerest condolences. It was a privilege and honor to work for and next to Lonnie for the short time I’ve been at Aqua Tech Marine. He was a mentor and friend. He will be missed by so many. He touched so many lives. May you rest in peace Lonnie.
Lonnie was a great guy. We had 3 boats on the Mississippi & he was the only guy we trusted to take care of them. We enjoyed many weekends on the river & Hogback because of zlonny
So sorry for your loss Sandy.. I first met Lonnie working for Roger at Bay View Marine years ago. Was a straight shooter always up front… He will be missed… I’m out of town this weekend so cant make it but please know im there in heart for you Samdy and the family.
Paulette & Sandy:
Very sorry to hear that Lonnie passed.
Eternal Rest Lonnie.
My Deepest Condolences for the loss of Lonnie. He was always great to me whenever I needed boat service and even went out of his was when my truck was hit by a driver who ran a stop sign.
Paulette and Sandy, we are so incredibly sad to hear of Lonnie’s passing. Although I hadn’t seen him in several years, I stayed in contact through Facebook. He always made me chuckle. We certainly will miss his terrific sense of humor. Sincerest condolences from the Allensworth family, Lori Allensworth Brown
Our deepest sympathies to Paulette and Sandy other family and friends. Lon was always friendly and happy to see us. We had known Harold ,Lon and Marsha from long ago and always considered “The Clary’s” good friends. You are in our thoughts and prayers.