Lon Sterling Chevoya

LON STERLING CHEVOYA

June 19, 1959 – July 23, 2022

On Saturday, July 23, 2022, Lon Sterling Chevoya, a loving son, brother, and father of three, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Arroyo Grande. He was 63 years old. Born in Avenal, California, to Donald and Betty Chevoya, he grew up in Grover Beach and Arroyo Grande, attending Oceano Elementary School, North Oceano Elementary School, Judkins Middle School, and Arroyo Grande High School, where he developed and nurtured many forever friendships throughout the years.

Always a hard worker, his first job was delivering the Times-Press Recorder on his bicycle. While in high school, Lon worked as a cook at the renowned Alex's BBQ in Shell Beach. He developed and ignited his love of BBQ during those years. After graduating from Arroyo Grande High School in 1977, Lon and his friend Pete enlisted in the US Navy and served on the USS Tripoly. He saw the West Pacific, including the Philippines, in the three years served. He was honorably discharged as Petty Officer Third Class. This experience eventually led to his son, Nick, joining the Navy, and Zack enlisting in the Marines. He was a proud military father.

In June 1983, Lon married Celia Kastner. Together they had three precious sons; Jacob, Nicholas, and Zachary. His boys were the apple of his eye. Their life was Rams, Rams, Rams, and the Dodgers. He and his friend Larry were avid Rams fans from early Kindergarten. Lon was always there for his boys no matter where they were.

Lon's brother-in-law, Neil, was impressed with Lon's skills and trained him in his own skills to be a flooring contractor. Lon was a perfectionist and passed these expert skills onto his son, Jacob, who does fine work in the craft today.

According to his best friend, Joe Klein, Lon lived for family, God, love, respect, kindness, laughter, the Rams, the NFL, and a great beer or cider. He was a provider at heart, always lending a helping hand to complete strangers, along with friends and family. His love for his family was first and utmost. God kept him grounded. Lon's love was easily given and received. Lon was forever a “Mama's Boy” and wore that badge proudly.

Lon's most precious moment was when he welcomed his first grandchild, Addison Rose in June of 2021. She simply melted his heart.

Lon leaves behind a good friend, Missie Roth, with whom he shared many common interests of the NFL, cooking, fun, and family.

Lon was preceded in death by his father Don. He is survived by his mother, Betty Long, his three sons, Jake, Nick, and Zack (Brooke), his granddaughter, his three sisters, Suzanne McClain (Neil), Diane McKenna (Pat), and Lori Chevoya, several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He will be dearly missed.

A Celebration of Life and BBQ will be held on December 17, 2022, at the Arroyo Grande Women's Club at 211 Vernon Street, Arroyo Grande, from 1:00 to 5:00pm.  Feel free to bring an appetizer or dessert to share. A ceremony with full military honors will begin promptly at 2:00. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lon Sterling Chevoya, please visit our floral store.