Lonnie Ray Pywell, 88, passed away October 15, 2026 in Salina KS. He was born June 3, 1938 in Palco, KS, the son of Cecil and Alice “Fern” Pywell. Lonnie grew up on the family farm near Palco. He worked as the Engineer for KKAN Radio station for many years. He also worked at Newell’s Appliance for over 30 years. He retired from a career with KN Energy.
Lonnie married Lyalla (Henricks) Chester on October 23, 1976 in Phillipsburg, KS. After retirement, Lonnie & Lyalla moved to Poncha Springs, Colorado and enjoyed good friends, fellowship, and the beauty that the Colorado Rockies had to offer. 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 and Lonnie was there until moving 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 daughter Deb (Pywell) Smith (husband Keenan) of Salina, KS, Donna (Pywell) Griem (husband Rennie) of Salina, KS, stepson Scott Henricks (wife Patty) of Lawrence, Kansas and stepdaughter Cris Chester of Hays, KS,10 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
A private family graveside gathering will take place Saturday, October 24, 2026.