Wilson, Lonnie H.

June 12, 1917 - October 14, 1988

San Francisco Chronicle (CA) - Saturday, October 15, 1988

Lonnie Wilson, an award-winning photographer for the Oakland Tribune for 47 years, died yesterday at Merritt Hospital after suffering a massive stroke. He was 71.

A native of Georgia's Henry County, Mr. Wilson joined the Tribune in 1940 after working as a wire photo operator for Associated Press. When he retired this past January, he had long been chief photographer for the Tribune. 

"Lonnie Wilson was an indefatigable warrior, an inspiration to his colleagues," said Robert C. Maynard, editor and president of the Tribune. "The work and presence of this great veteran will be sorely missed." 

Mr. Wilson grew up in Atlanta and attended the Georgia Evening School of Technology. After joining the Tribune, he was drafted into the Army in 1941. He served as a photographer for Yank magazine, traveling to Guadalcanal, Fiji, Okinawa, Samoa and other areas in World War II. 

During his career, he won awards from the National Press Photographers Association, San Francisco Press Club, California Press Photographers and numerous other groups. 

He is survived by his wife, Ruth; a daughter, Katherine Cruse of San Antonio, Texas; his brother, Bill Wilson of Decatur, Ga., and two grandchildren. 

To view some of Mr. Wilson photos go to our Historical page.