Ralph "Lonnie" Switzer, Jr.

Ralph "Lonnie" Alonzo Switzer, Jr., 77, passed away July 15, 2024. Lonnie was born August 3,1946 in Kansas City, MO to Ralph and Julia Switzer. He attended Guardian Angles until the Switzer Family moved to West Concord where they joined Visitation Parish and School. He attended De La Salle High School and graduated in 1965. After high school, Lonnie joined the Navy and did his tour of duty in Vietnam.

His painting career began sweeping the shops at A.T. Switzer Painting, a company his grandfather founded in 1911. In 1976 Lon and his father Ralph founded Switzer and Associate’s Painting Co under the well-respected family name. His brother Mark joined the company in 1979. Lonnie was heavily involved and has held several roles in the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America and received the AL Quilici award in 2017, the organization highest honor. He was also a proud member and past president of the Kansas City Breakfast Club and was a trustee for the Painters Pension Fund.

Lonnie married Phyllis LaSala in 1972 where she remained the love of his life and dancing partner for 52 years. They started their marriage in Brookside, joined and still attend St. Elizabeth’s parish with their four sons, Brian, Kevin, Sean, Scott and 11 grandkids. Lonnie gave his time as a coach, PTA President, Boy Scouts, confirmation group leader, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus member, and many other volunteer roles.

Lonnie was a fun Pops to 11 grandkids. He loved making them laugh, teaching them to swing elbows to rebound, have fun at the lake, how to ring in the New Year with a sleep over and attended games where he “coached” from the stands.

Lonnie knew everyone and was quick to find a connection. As much as he enjoyed golfing, his poker groups, tennis, basketball, lunches, game nights, and especially lake trips where he would announce his presence with a M80. He was an avid sports fan: he loved the Royals, Chiefs, and any Catholic team playing in March Madness that he could parlay.

Lonnie was proud of his 40 years of sobriety, involvement in First call, Welcome House, and commitment to AA. He was always ready to help a newcomer and pass on his experience, strength, and hope.

He was a busy and involved man, but he mostly cherished his time with his wife Phyllis. He was a gentleman that would take time to dance on the dock, the back yard, the kitchen, and any event. He always had her back, guided her through hard situations, and celebrate the good times. He was her Ralphie Ralph, and she was his Darlin.

While he had cancer, we find comfort in the fact that cancer did not have him. He never changed his “one day at a time” lifestyle, his wit, and sense of humor.

Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Julia Switzer, two sisters, Julia Stigall and Kathy Frey, brother-in-law Steve Sloat, and nephew Mark Wholey. He leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Phyllis (LaSala), four sons, Brian (Niki), Kevin (Jessica), Sean (Stephanie), and Scott; one brother Mark (Judy); two sisters, Carole Sloat and Janet Wholey (Bob); brother-in-law Pete Frey; as well as Pop’s 11 grandchildren: Lilli Kate, Luci, Jude, Liza, Ellie, Dom, Jack, Millie, Eric, Louie, and Evie; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Kansas City, MO. The Rosary will be prayed at 5:00 PM followed by Visitation 5:30 to 8:30 PM on Thursday, July 25. The funeral mass will be 10:00 AM on Friday, July 26. 

Lonnie’s family expresses its sincere gratitude to the staff and caregivers of the VA Hospital, and especially to his official and unofficial cancer team, for their personal, loving attention.

In lieu of flowers we ask you to consider a donation to St. Elizabeth’s Parish https://www.stekc.org/ or The Welcome House https://welcomehousekc.org/, a residential, not-for-profit, sober living recovery provider. They support and empower alcohol and drug-addicted men to live a healthy life.