Lonnie Lee Sweeney, 71, a proud veteran of the Vietnam War and longtime resident of Akron, OH passed away Thursday, November 9, 2023.  Lonnie was born on November 24, 1951, to William Leroy Sweeney and Dorothy Evelyn (James) Sweeney in Beckley, WV.

Lonnie moved to Akron, OH when he was a year old but loved spending his summers in Jumping Branch, West Virginia with his grandmother. He attended Kenmore High School, graduating in 1969 and immediately enlisting in the U.S. Army where he served in the Vietnam War. The U.S. Army recognized Lonnie for his honorable service by awarding him several medals including the Air Medal, specifically for his heroic action going under fire to rescue injured soldiers. After being honorably discharged, he returned home, serving in the Ohio National Guard.

Lonnie married Jeanette Marie Mudd on October 21, 1978. He was a loving husband and father whose favorite past time was being with his grandchildren.  He was an excellent cook who never needed a recipe and enjoyed preparing meals for his family. He retired from Automated Packaging in Streetsboro, OH after 25 years. His kindness, sense of humor and sarcasm will be deeply missed.

Preceded in death by his father William Leroy Sweeney and mother Dorothy Evelyn Sweeney.  Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 45 years Jeanette Sweeney; sister Evelyn Williams (Dennis); daughter Jenniffer Sweeney (Brian); daughter Janet Estafen (Tom), grandchildren, William Sweeney, Kendra Belka, Emma Estafen, Alexander Estafen and great grandchildren Liam Sweeney and Anastasia Sweeney.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the Firestone VFW Post 3383 from 4pm-6pm. Address: 690 W. Waterloo Rd., Akron, OH 44314, with military honors at 5:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.