Obituary of Lonnie Steven Galatas

"To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven:" Ecclesiastes 3:1 A time to be born: Lonnie Steven Galatas, born September 5, 1954, to Salvadore and Albertine Galatas of Slidell, LA. A time to love: High school sweethearts, he married Wanda Abrams June 16, 1973, and again on October 7, 1981, for a total of 25 years. These unions created Steven Kyle Galatas and Laani Jamie Galatas Harris, who presented him with two wonderful grandchildren; Amirah Grace Harris and Mataya Nicole Harris. Though divorced for 12 years, Wanda never forgot her vows "'til death do us part." A time to remember: Lonnie grew up in Slidell, La, graduating high school in New Orleans, LA, then going on to Seattle University. He joined the Air Force in 1976 where he served his country for almost 24 years. He loved to travel, he loved the outdoors, and he loved friends and family. He battled alcohol addiction, and recently celebrated 25 years of sobriety. He worked his program tirelessly to save himself and others battling that addiction. A time to weep: We want to remember his loved ones who have passed on and who he will greet again as he enters the Kingdom of Heaven: Mother, Albertine; brothers Thomas and Rodney; sisters Odette and Althea. A time to die: He passed through this world like a brief storm, finally departing on November 14, 2011 at Hospice House, University Place, WA; where he received compassionate care under a host of dedicated professionals from Franciscan Health Care System. We thank them for the excellent services and care they provided with so much love and understanding. A time to mourn: We want to recognize the surviving family members in Slidell, LA: his father, Salvadore; brother, Carl; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.