Loren Kenneth “Sonny” Walker passed away peacefully on March 15, 2020, after a short battle with heart disease, in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was born February 3, 1934 in Los Angeles, CA, to Goldie (Pezzani) Walker and Elmon Earl Walker. At 8 months old, his family moved to Lebanon, Indiana.
He was a big guy with a bigger personality. His athleticism provided him the opportunity to be a 3-sport athlete at Purdue University, where he was also a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. After college, he became an avid golfer and followed sports and games on TV like it was his job. His working life centered around his bar/restaurant “The Livingroom” he owned in downtown Indianapolis. In retirement, he loved chasing his grandkids around the house, and attending as many of their sporting activities as possible. The man LOVED sports! Nor did he know a stranger – he once strolled over to his daughter’s neighbor’s house to meet one of his sports idols and contemporaries, Oscar Robertson.
He wanted it known that his biggest accomplishments were his three children… (his son thinks that he was the favored one, while the two daughters know better). ;-)
He is survived by his loving partner, Marjorie Sommer; daughters Kim (Jim) Dechert and Wendy King, and son Robert Walker. He is also survived by his partner’s daughters, Kathy Sommer and Sue (Lee) Stripling. Loren had 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. His sister, Marilyn (Don) Kersey, preceded him in death.
Loren “Sonny” was always quick with a joke and the life of the party — he will be deeply missed.
Per his wishes, he did not want a funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations to Suncoast Hospice would be appreciated. We would also like to thank Suncoast Hospice for their incredible care during his final days and also a huge thank you to Sue Stripling for the warmth and tenderness she showed our father – her cap reads Nurse, but she is truly an angel in disguise. Rest in peace, Daddy.
I am so sorry to hear this news. Sonny helped me so much many years ago. He had a dynamic personality and a generous spirit. My sincere condolences to his family.
Kim very sorry to hear about your Dad. Only met your Dad twice Kim. Got to talk to him for awhile at your graduation from NC. Was very funny and easy to talk to. Glad you got to have him so long. Mines been gone 29 years.
Always enjoyed his sense of humor over the years. Great Pinochle player and I was always glad to take a turn as his partner. He will be missed, for sure.
Thanks for writing this obit, Kim. It fits him beautifully
Miss him something awful.
Always a special person with a great personality.
Enjoyed playing Pinochle with you many times.
Wendy and my three favorite chics
I am so very sorry for your loss.
I pray you all experience peace and healing.
My best to you
God bless you
Love,
B
Just thinking about your family and mine, I’m sad. My mother loved your father so very, very much. To have the type of comfortable and deep love that they had is something that I admire and am happy that they found that in their lives. Telling my mom that Loren “Sony” had passed was a difficult but an honorable task. My mother’s reaction surprised me. I thought that she would break down. She showed immediate sadness from the her heart and relief from her soul. She said “Thank God, this what he wanted”. My family is so very sad and sorry for each of you. It is important that you know that because of Loren, Sonny, Papa Sonny.. he brought two families together. Sue, Lee and I and our family always included Loren in all of our family celebrations and gatherings. He knew that he would enjoy great food, and gifts to open at Christmas, his birthday Valentine’s Day etc. He understood that he was not a replacement for our father but that he was a part of our family and making our dear mother happy was a blessing and appreciated we’re grateful to have gotten to know you and to be a be able to add and consider you our family. FAMILY, such an important part of life. I love each of you and with a very, very heart say I’m so sorry for your (our) loss. Love, Kathy
My condolences to all his friends and family. I had the honor to work for this man at The Living Room Lounge in the mid-late 80s. He gave me opportunity, he trusted me, he taught me a wonderful work ethic. I learned so much from him, work hard – play hard. Love your life. “Slow Talker Walker” he called himself!! :) Sunny was the first “Boss” I ever truly respected, because he also respected me.