Lonny Ray Lightfoot

On Monday, January 2, 2023, Lonny Lightfoot, age 73, passed away at home from a severe cold. He was born on December 1, 1949, at St Mary’s Hospital in Walla Walla. He was the second son of four boys born to Bob (Red) and Betty Lightfoot. He attended schools in College Place until 9th grade, when he transferred to Garrison Junior High. He then graduated from Walla Walla High school in 1969.

Lonny was active in football, wrestling, and track and was an officer in ROTC while attending Wa-Hi. After graduating from Wa-Hi, he attended WSU, where he joined the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. He met his future wife, Teri, when she worked at the A&W in Walla Walla when he’d come in to order a teenburger, fries, and a quart of root beer for lunch everyday.

Lonny and Teri married in 1970 and welcomed the birth of their son Todd in 1970 and Shaun in 1973.

Lonny had various jobs until he began his long-time career with the Northwest Grain Growers. He started as a truck driver in 1976 but soon became the Wallula Terminal Manager and remained in that position until he retired in June of 2004. During his younger years, he was active in the Walla Walla Jaycees and played slow-pitch softball for their team. He was also a member of the Walla Walla Gun Club, The Elks Club and competed in many Demolition Derbies.

After Lonny retired from the Grain Growers, he and Teri purchased a travel trailer and had several fun trips traveling the country with family. He also enjoyed cruises and many trips to foreign destinations with Teri.

Lonny is survived by his wife, Teri Lightfoot; son, Todd Lightfoot; grandchildren, Larissa, Tucker, Hannah, Tate, Aiden, and Tanka; great-grandchildren, Neo, Matthew, Quin, and Nova; and his brother, Rick Lightfoot (wife Patti) all residing in Walla Walla; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jerry and Carol Ohail of Allyn, WA. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Betty Lightfoot; son, Shaun Lightfoot; brothers, Mike and Bobby Lightfoot; and daughter-in-law, Sara Anne Lightfoot.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 11:00 AM, at the Chapel of the Herring Funeral Home, with Reverend Steve Morris officiating. A potluck lunch to follow at Kellogg Hall (Walla Walla University) at 32 Ash Street in College Place.

Please bring your favorite dish to share along with your memories and stories about Lonny. Coffee and punch will be served (but we all know Lonny would’ve preferred Bud Light!)