Lonny Pucket, 84, departed this world on the morning of Friday, September 19, 2025, at 3:50 a.m., while in hospice care at Village Manor of Abilene, KS, with his oldest grandson watching over him.
Lonny Lee Pucket was born in Concordia, KS, on June 30, 1941, the son of George W. and Irene Lillie (Orebaugh) Pucket. He was a twin to Larry Lee Pucket and one of five children: Garrel, Clyde, Larry, Lonny, and their sister, Guila. Lonny was fortunate to attend school in his hometown of Glasco, KS, completing both grade and high school there and graduating in the spring of 1959.
After high school, Lonny moved to Salina to work for Lee Hardware before deciding to attend college at Fort Hays, where he graduated with an associate degree. Following college, Lonny moved to Wichita and began working in the aircraft industry as a painter. On weekends, he often returned home to see family and friends. It was during one of these visits that he met the love of his life, Fonda Plymire.
On June 8, 1968, Lonny and Fonda were married at the United Methodist Church in Glasco, KS. They lived in Wichita for the first few years before moving back to Salina. In the fall of 1970, they were blessed with the birth of a son, William Pucket. In the summer of 1976, they were again blessed, this time with a daughter, Gina (Pucket) Winter.
Life made Lonny a grandfather three times, a role he cherished. He faithfully attended countless soccer games, school programs, Boy Scout events, and anything else his grandsons were involved in. He believed that showing up was one of the best ways to show he cared. Whenever he could convince one of the boys to go to a car show or cowboy event, it became a day of joy that he would talk about often.
Lonny was a hard worker, having grown up on a farm south of Glasco. He loved sharing stories from his childhood with anyone who would listen. He spent over 25 years working for AGCO in Hesston, KS—a job he enjoyed because of the friendships he made, which made the daily commute worthwhile.
In his spare time, Lonny enjoyed taking his wife dancing at the Muse Ballroom. He loved classic car shows and cruising with the Thursday Night Cruisers. He also enjoyed traveling—first with his wife and children to places such as the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Mount Rushmore. Later, once the children were grown, he and Fonda traveled to places such as New York, where they saw their favorite country western singers perform at Carnegie Hall, and even took cruises to Cozumel and Alaska. They loved exploring the beauty of this country together.
Lonny is survived by his wife, Fonda Pucket of Kipp; son, William Pucket of Salina, KS; daughter, Gina Winter and husband Matthew of Salina, KS; three grandsons, Thomas Fletcher of Marquette, KS, and Nic Fletcher and Bryant Rush of Salina, KS; his brother, Clyde (Brenda) of Wichita; and many nieces and nephews.
A service and celebration of his life will be held at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th St., Salina, KS, on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. A gathering of family and friends will follow at the same location. As was Lonny’s request, his favorite pies and cookies will be served. Please bring a story to share, as Lonny always enjoyed good conversation and cherished memories. Memorials can be sent to Ryan Mortuary, in care of the family at 137 N 8th St., Salina, KS 67401.