Alonzo Cullens

Alonzo “Lonzo” Cullens, one of fourteen children, born on May 24, 1941 to Robert and Maxie (Griffin) Cullens in New Albany MS. He was preceded in death by both his parents, sister Clara Cullens, brothers, Robert, William Cullens and xxxxxx 6 other brothers.

As a young teen/adult he enjoyed all types of sports, but especially baseball. As a matter of fact, Alonzo dreamed of playing professional baseball, and was recruited for the minor leagues, but unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond his control, that dream was never realized.

In his early twenties, Alonzo, like many Black southerners, made the decision to migrate to the North (Midwest) seeking better job opportunities. He landed in Indianapolis where he found work in the cafeteria at the Fort Benjamin Harrison Army Installation. There is where he met Alice Lewis. They later married and had two children, Vanessa and David. Early in their marriage they moved from Indianapolis to Evanston IL, where he found employment as a city bus driver. Alonzo and his family lived in Evanston for approximately 10 years, but eventually returned to Indianapolis. Though he and Alice divorced, in their latter years, they reconciled their friendship. Back in Indy, Alonzo became a proud employee of General Motors as a machine specialist. He retired from GM after more than 25 years of employment.

Alonzo accepted Christ at a young age, and eventually joined Mount Olive Baptist Church where he was a member for over twenty years.

Alonzo was a proud, strong man with a big heart…a southern gentleman. He was a devoted and dedicated father and grandfather. Alonzo was also a loyal friend to many, always doing his best to be there for everyone.

In the last ten years of his life, Alonzo chose a quieter lifestyle. So he enjoyed doing nothing more than spending quality time with his children and grandchildren. It had become a family tradition to eat breakfast every two weeks at Cracker Barrel. He often spent his days watching old TV shows and the Colts and Pacer games with David, and bragging on his grandchildren to whoever would listen. And when Vanessa was in town, you could find Alonzo having chili dinner with his family, with a big smile on his face…laughing and talking with them.

Alonzo is survived by his daughter Vanessa McClendon (Allen), son David Cullens, grandsons Trey Cullens and Wesley McKinney (Jennifer), granddaughter Lauren McKinney, great granddaughter Elena Loren McKinney; sisters Alice McAlister, Annie Mae, Sara and Geraldine Cullens and brother Charlie Frank Cullens (Shirley), nephew William Cullens to whom he was very close, and a host of other nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.