Lonnie Lakin, 66, of Wamego, Kansas, passed away on Thursday (June 26, 2025) at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Lonnie was born in Manhattan Kansas, August 31, 1958 to Charles Lakin and Mary J. (Deibler) Lakin. Lonnie's father tragically died when Lonnie was young. His mother later remarried Victor Claeys who loved and raised Lonnie as his own.
Lonnie married his best friend and high school sweetheart Tammy Sue Piper on October 26, 1979 in St. George, Kansas. Together they were blessed with 3 children. Tammy preceded him in death on May 28, 2010.
Lonnie enjoyed fishing. While living in Florida, he could be found spending time at the beach and deep sea fishing. Lonnie was known for staying busy and always lending a helping hand. He was a “jack of all trades” and could fix or repair anything. He will be remembered as one who was always there to help others.
Lonnie was employed as a utility contractor and later as regional supervisor of the Gulf Coast for UtiliQuest. His work moved the family from Wamego to Kansas City, Virginia and then Florida. Following Tammy’s untimely death, Lonnie joined his family and moved back to Wamego in 2013. Lonnie was self employed for many years, and later worked for Howell Lumber Co, and Oswalt Wrecker Service. Lonnie was well known for his skilled backhoe and excavating work in the Manhattan and surrounding areas.
Survivors include his mother, Mary J. Claeys of St. George, KS; a daughter, Shannon Brown, husband Charles of Wamego; two sons, Jason Lakin, wife Alycea of Wamego and Tanner Lakin, wife Brittany of Westmoreland; five grandchildren, Payton Lakin, Olivia Brown, Destany Brown, Landon Lakin and Logan Lakin; one great granddaughter, Paisley Lakin; one brother; four sisters; and several nieces and nephews.
Lonnie was preceded in death by his wife, Tammy; his father, Charles; and his step father, Victor Claeys
Memorial services will be held Wednesday morning (July 9, 2025) at 10:30 at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego with Reverend Tony Mattia officiating.
Visitation will be Tuesday evening (July 8, 2025) from 5:00 to 7:00 at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego.