Former KU Basketball Player Ron Loneski Dies

Monday, August 4, 2014

Ron Loneski, a teammate of Wilt Chamberlain in the mid-1950s, died Friday, August 1, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital at the age of 77. Arrangements will be announced by Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.



Loneski was a former roommate of Wilt Chamberlain at KU and started on the 1957 Final Four team. He was named first-team all-league for three seasons and honorable mention All-American.



Loneski was involved in ROTC during days at KU, and after graduation took commission. He retired from the service as a colonel after 21 years. He received the Bronze Star for Valor, Bronze Star for Meritorious Service and the Purple Heart.



After his time with the military, Loneski taught at Lincoln High School in San Diego for 20 years and coached basketball for 10 years. He retired in 2000 and lived in Lawrence at the time of his death.