Lonnie Lee Dysinger, 74, of Sweet Home, Oregon passed away Saturday, September 22, at the Lebanon Veteran’s Home. He was born in Portland to Blaine and Neita (Jeffs) Dysinger.

His family came to Sweet Home around the time he was four years old. Lonnie worked in the woods logging as a teenager. While in high school, Lonnie married Wanda Graves. He was drafted into the United States Army, serving from 1968 to 1969 as a Private “Four-Deuce Gunner.” During his time, he earned the National Defense Service and Rifle Sharpshooter medals.

Lonnie came back to Sweet Home, where he found work as a logger. Later in life, he transitioned into driving school bus for the Sweet Home and Lebanon School Districts.

Lonnie was a member of the Sweet Home VFW, past officer of the AMVETS Veteran’s Club, and a member of the Sweet Home Elks. He loved a good or bad auction, hunting and fishing, and dancing to a good, old country western tune. He enjoyed playing pool, cribbage, and poker, and he was a regular at Spirit Mountain Casino. He loved his Oregon Ducks and pets “Moshi” and “Sassie.” Lonnie was best known for his kindness, humorous attitude, and warm smile.

Lonnie is survived by his wife, Wanda; boys Blaine and wife Donna of Lebanon, Richard “Dick” and wife Dina of Sweet Home, Clinton “Kink” of Sweet Home, Brian and wife Stephany of Lebanon, and Brad and wife Nichole of Aumsville; sisters Cleo Hopper of Sweet Home, Beverly Hutchinson of Lebanon, and Judy Markert of Sweet Home; brother Albert Niemi of Sweet Home; 19 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Blaine Dysinger; mother Neita Niemi; stepfather Richard “Dick” Niemi; and brother Clinton.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, September 27, at Sweet Home Evangelical Church. Final burial and military honors will be at Gilliland Cemetery. A potluck will be at 3:00 p.m. at Sweet Home VFW.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.