Urban

Rev. Msgr. Alonzo A. “Lonnie” Urban III, a dedicated Catholic priest of the Diocese of Austin for 57 years, passed away in George town, on June 15, 2024, at the age of 82.

Born in Rockdale on July 8, 1941, to the late Dr. Alonzo and Msgr. Urban

Leonora Urban, he attended Rockdale public schools and St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston.

He was ordained a Catholic priest for the Diocese of Austin at St. Mary Cathedral in Austin on May 27, 1967.

Msgr. Urban served as chaplain at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Waco, at St. Joseph’s in Waco, St. Mary’s in College Station, St. Louis in Austin, St. Ferdinand’s in Blanco, St. Mary’s in Wimberley and St. Mary’s in Taylor, where he served for 37 years.

On June 13, 1980, the Holy Father, Pope St. John Paul II, named Msgr. Urban “Chaplain to His Holiness,” an honor that carries with it the title of monsignor. He retired on July 3, 2017, and moved to the St. John Paul II Residence for Priests in Georgetown.

Msgr. Lonnie served God’s people with patience and a generous sense of presence. He was a good listener, which made him a good counselor.

Msgr. Lonnie had a great love for the outdoors and nature. Most of his vacations and free time were spent fishing in Alaska or the Texas Gulf Coast.

During deer season, he would be with family and friends at his hunting cabin in Blanco. His last dove hunt found him under a tree in his wheelchair, marveling at God’s creation.

Msgr. Urban’s legacy is carried on by his surviving family members, including his sisters, Charlotte Belczak of Palos Heights, Illinois, and Elizabeth Buchanan of Rockdale; and his brothers, Robert Urban of Rockdale and Daniel Urban of Round Rock.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Edward Urban.

The viewing followed by the Vigil for the Deceased and recitation of the Rosary was celebrated at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Taylor on Thursday, June 20.

The Mass for Christian Burial was at St. Mary’s in Taylor on Friday, June 21, and the Rite of Committal at the IOOF Cemetery in Rockdale.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in the name of Msgr. Urban to St. Mary Catholic School in Taylor.