Lonnie Ray Pywell, 88, passed away on October 15, 2026, in Salina.

He was born June 3, 1938, in Palco, the son of Cecil and Alice “Fern” Pywell.

Lonnie grew up on the family farm near Palco. He worked as an engineer for KKAN Radio station for many years. He also worked at Newell’s Appliance for over 30 years. He retired from KN Energy.

Lonnie married Lyalla (Henricks) Chester on October 23, 1976, in Phillipsburg. After retirement, Lonnie and Lyalla moved to Poncha Springs, Colorado, and enjoyed good friends, fellowship, and the beauty of the Colorado Rockies. However, after 13 years, they moved back to Kansas for health reasons. In 2018, Lyalla and Lonnie moved to an assisted living facility in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where Lonnie stayed until they moved to Salina, Kansas, in 2025.

Lonnie is preceded in death by his wife, Lyalla Pywell; parents; brothers Charles “Corky,” Roy, and James Pywell; and great-granddaughter Addy Chester.  

He is survived by his daughters Deb (Pywell) Smith (Keenan) of Salina, and Donna (Pywell) Griem (Rennie) of Salina; stepson Scott Henricks (wife Patty) of Lawrence; stepdaughter Cris Chester of Hays; 10 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

A private family graveside gathering will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026.