Lonnie Inners

On July 6, 2025, with all six of his children gathered close, Lonnie Gene Inners peacefully said goodbye to this world at the age of 83. His life, rich with family, friendship, and adventure, began on January 14, 1942, in York, Pennsylvania, where he was born to Mary Louise (Houdeshell) Inners and Jack Leroy Inners. The second of five children, Lonnie spent his early years in York, where his family ran Inners Entertainment—a circus company. He and his older sister helped care for the animals, even getting to ride the elephants, before most could even ride a bicycle, memories that stayed with him all his life.

In 1948, the family moved west to Spokane, Washington, where Lonnie would live for the rest of his days. He attended Lewis & Clark High School while working nights at Valley Bowl to help support his family. Though the demands of life delayed his education, he later proudly earnedhis diploma from The Marines. His time at Valley Bowl sparked a lifelong passion for bowling. Lonnie not only became an accomplished bowler himself but also coached youth bowling for over 20 years, winning numerous awards from the Washington Youth Bowling Association and instilling his love of the sport in his children.

In April 1961, Lonnie joined the Marine Corps Reserve, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant by 1966 and served in the reserve unit until 1970. During this time, in 1966, he began working for Burlington Northern Railroad as a truck driver and dispatcher. Lonnie later ventured into the insurance business, eventually running his own agency. By 1988, Lonnie returned to trucking with Interstate, where he once again found comfort behind the wheel, hauling freight across countless states and logging many miles. He continued doing what he loved until the day he retired.

Lonnie married his high school sweetheart, Connie Jean Mitchell, in 1962, and together they raised five children: Deanna (Doug) Abrahamson, Christine (Craig) Walters, Shelley (Dave) Bublitz, Mark (Crystal) Inners, and Scott (Caryn) Inners. Later in life, Lonnie was blessed with another son, Spencer Triplet Inners.

Family and the outdoors defined Lonnie’s free time. In his younger years, he loved camping trips to Sullivan Lake, hunting, golfing, and taking his kids on adventures. As time went on, fishing became his passion. With his boat, he explored the lakes north of

Spokane—Hunters being a favorite spot—he shared many trips with his sons. He even traveled to Alaska with friends, hauling in both fish and unforgettable stories. He had been eagerly planning one last big fishing trip with all his sons this coming fall.

Another love that never faded was motorcycles. Lonnie’s Harley Davidson became a faithful companion, carrying him on summer rides to the lake to visit family, down quiet country roads, and on memorable trips to Sturgis, South Dakota, with friends. Lonnie’s life was full, but his greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his six children; his four sisters—Dixie (Tom) McCarthy, Jackie Smith, Donna (Greg) Fuller, and Kathy Sue Kingston; 13 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren, who will carry forward his stories, humor, and love of adventure.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 26, 2025, at Kalispel Golf Course, 4:00–8:00 p.m.