Lonzo Saltsman, 80, of Smiths Grove passed away Feb. 5, 2026 at his home surrounded by family.
The Grayson County native loved to work on his farm raising beef cattle, hunting, running dogs, taking his team of mules and covered wagon on trail rides with his friends and spending time with his family and friends. His greatest pleasure came from his grandchildren. He was a son of the late Nathan Saltsman and Essie Stewart Saltsman. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Robert Saltsman; and four sisters, Golda Sandlin, Erma Sanders, Julia Johnson and Tiva Roller.
Lonzo was drafted into the US Army in 1965, and after basic training, spent one year in Vietnam where he was exposed to Agent Orange. That exposure resulted in medical problems that eventually caused his death. In 2012, he became a lifelong member of Wand B. Doyle Chapter #32 Disabled American Veterans where he enjoyed brotherhood with fellow veterans. He was proud and honored to be a veteran. After his military service, he began a career with the National Park Service where he served for 23 years — 17 of which were operating the ferry at Houchens Ferry before retiring.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM Monday at Smiths Grove Cemetery. Visitation will take place 3:30-7:00 PM Sunday and 9:00 AM-1:30 PM Monday at Gravil Funeral Home.
Surviving are his wife, Perneila “Penny” Day Saltsman; a son, Joseph Saltsman of Smiths Grove; a daughter, Cassandra Saltsman (Joe Oates) of Smiths Grove; four grandchildren, Noah Ballard, Ezra Oates, Megan Miles and Nick Miles all of Smiths Grove; two brothers, Vanco Saltsman of Bee Spring and Roscoe Saltsman of Smiths Grove; as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews whom he dearly loved.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions be made to Wand B. Doyle Chapter #32 DAV, c/o Commander Jack Hasty, PO Box 733, Brownsville, KY 42210.
