OBITUARIES - 1/8/21

Jan. 1, 2021

Mark Henry Stone, Sr.

Mark Stone, 62, of Hernando, Fla., died on Nov. 14, one day shy of his 63rd birthday.

Stone began playing in SSUSA in 2017 with Levin/Ameriprise 60 (formerly Pompano Crush 60s). He also played with Globe Trailers 55 in 2018 and also played with RedHawk Nation 60.

During the 2019 and 2020 seasons, he split his time between Levin/Ameriprise and RedHawk Nation.

“Mark was well liked and respected by his teammates and all who knew him,” said David Dennison, manager of RedHawk Nation. “His passion for softball, his sense of humor, and his take on life were just some of the things that made Mark the fine person he was.”

Lonnie Springs, Sr.

Lonnie Springs, 74, of San Antonio, Tex., died on Dec. 3 from cancer.

Springs last played SSUSA in 2016 with Team Texas 65, participating in the Heart of Texas, Rocky Mountain Championships, Labor Day Classic, and World Championships.

Along with Team Texas, Springs also played with San Antonio Legends, Team Texas (SA), and Texas Tornados.

Springs began play with Austin Lonestars in 2008.

“Lonnie was a key member of our San Antonio Senior Softball League (SASSL) family,” said John Beard. “Lonnie was long time coach and player with Team Texas and a key member of our board besides being our head umpire for years. I will miss working with him during our annual banquets that he was always a big help with. So long to a true Hall of Famer here in Texas.”

James Elton Turner, Jr.

James Turner, 82, of St. George, UT died on Dec. 6 due to COVID-19.

Turner last played in 2019 with Magic Stuff 80, participating in the Bullhead City – Laughlin Senior Games/Top Gun Winter Classic, Spring World Championships, and the Rock ‘N Reno Challenge Cup.

Formerly from the Pacific Northwest, Turner was a long-time member of SSUSA, dating back to the early 2000s.

Along with playing with Magic Stuff/Forever Young Diamonds; Turner also played with Magic Stuff 70s, Slammers, The Zone, D-99, ABR Old Bones, Colorado Cougars, FastSigns, Freddies Northwest Legends, and Emerald City Masters, among others.

Steve Kenner

Steve Kenner, 70, of Sacramento, Calif., died on January 4 due to complications from COVID-19.

Kenner was a long-time member of Old Dawgs 55 and 60.

He last played in the 2017 season, participating in the Southwest Championships, Rock ‘N Reno Challenge Cup, Western National Championships, and World Championships.

"Steve was the kind of third baseman who wasn't afraid of getting dirty going after the hot shots," said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA's CEO.  "He always played his heart out."