LONNIE WILKES (1963-2010)

I was fortunate to be friends with Lonnie at various stages of his life, fortunate because you really couldn't know him and comprehend what made him tick without penetrating his rough exterior.  He could be boorish, crude, rude, and offensive; but he was also caring, outrageously funny, and would give you the shirt off his rather large back.  The word that best describes Lonnie is "misunderstood."  Rest in peace, Big Lon!!!

Andy Foster                   

• With Lonnie in a bent over position, the doctor inserted his fingers into Lonnie's rear as part of his examination.  Lonnie asked the doctor "who was your bitch last week?"

• When Lonnie, all 350+ pounds of him, would describe a very large man to his brother he would say "he's bigger than you, Tom."

• Star Valley Ranch Trip

Ballocks (John Foss) and I were about to leave Las Vegas en route to Wyoming for our annual summer golf, fishing, and drinking trip.  Lonnie decided to play a joke on Ballocks by saying he wanted to go with us and followed us out of town in his car as if he were.  My job was to pretend I didn't know what Lonnie was up to.

Ballocks seemed to become more agitated every mile he could still see Lonnie in the rear view mirror.  After about 20 miles, he was convinced Lonnie was serious and his agitation evolved into being upset; only because he knew Lonnie didn't play golf, didn't drink, and that he would somehow have to entertain him for a week.

After 90 miles, Lonnie finally turned around and returned to Vegas at which time I began laughing hysterically off and on until we were well past Salt Lake City.

• Walt's Pepsi

While growing up, Lonnie would drink his father's Pepsi-Cola drinks and refill the bottles with some other type of liquid attempting to make them look unopened.

Links To Other Web Sites

The Other Eisenhower

Mr History Professional Tutoring

Executive Communication Systems