Lionel "Lonnie" William Putnam

Lonnie was born in Dubuque, Iowa to Lorna Hill Putnam and Lionel Thomas Putnam on July 13, 1945. At the end of World War II Lonnie's parents moved to Rutherfordton, N.C. where he was raised.

Lonnie graduated from R.S. Central High School and then attended Gardner Webb College and then graduated from The Basic Law Enforcement Training at The Institute of Government at the University of North Carolina. Following this, in 1966, he was employed by the state of North Carolina as a State Highway Patrol Trooper and in 1995 he retired after thirty years.

In 1966 Lonnie married the former Judy Cogdill, of Marion, and they started their married life together in Wilson, N.C. This was Lonnie's first duty station and they remained there until relocating to Marion in 1974 where he continued his work as a trooper until his retirement.

After retirement Lonnie volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in McDowell County. He was an active member of East Marion United Methodist Church where he served as Treasurer for nineteen years, served as President of the United Methodist Men and was a member of the Board of Trustees.

Lonnie especially enjoyed being a member of the choir where at practice he said they prayed and talked and laughed and even sometimes sang.

Lonnie had a love of cars; especially Corvettes, and he and Judy enjoyed attending car shows and judging competitions. Until his health changed he was an avid runner, enjoyed water skiing, tennis, biking and working in his yard. He really appreciated the beauty of the natural world which was evident in the photographs he took and the art work he and Judy bought for their home.

Lonnie is survived by his wife Judy Cogdill Putnam, brother Thomas Putnam and wife Susan and sister-in-law Catherine Putnam. Also surviving are Brother-in-law Frank Cogdill, Sisters-in-law Jo Pyatt (Cline) and Janice Allman (Jerry) and their families. Preceding him in death are his parents, grandparents and brothers Bruce and Dee Putnam.

Special appreciation to nieces Susan Pyatt-Baker, Rusti Patton and nephews Regan and Joshua Pyatt for their love, visits and "entertainment." There are so many others to which much gratitude is due: Leslie Bradsher for the food she brought and the vegetables and beautiful flowers from her own garden, Brother-in-law Frank Cogdill for "always being there when needed," the church family for all the many acts of kindness especially when they included "chocolate" and Brenda and Jim Cornett for all the delicious meals, John Chambers who through his many years of helping them became a good friend and someone they were truly fond of. Words cannot express how much Lathan Vallini made this "journey" easier. He has been an example of the true meaning of "neighbor."

Finally, the entire family of Lonnie and Judy want to express our appreciation for wonderful care the entire staff of Hospice of the Carolina Foothills provided for Lonnie and just as important the support they provided for Judy during this difficult time.

The family will receive friends on Monday, August 10, 2026 from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. at East Marion United Methodist Church. A memorial service will begin at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Philip Tate officiating. A time of refreshments and fellowship will follow the service. Inurnment will be held privately at McDowell Memorial Park.

The family requests that no flowers be sent as it was Lonnie's wish that memorials be made to benefit someone in need. Of special interest to he and Judy were the MANNA Food Bank, The Food Program at East Marion United Methodist Church or Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.