Comedian and radio personality Ron Sexton, known for his character Donnie Baker on The Bob and Tom Show, has passed away suddenly at the age of 52, his family has announced.
He died unexpectedly on Friday in Ohio while on the road on his stand-up comedy tour.
Ron was scheduled to perform on Friday and Saturday nights and had 39 more dates planned this year at venues across the US.
His family shared the news of his passing via his Donnie Baker Facebook page, writing on Saturday: “It is with immense sadness that we inform everyone that Ron Sexton passed away yesterday.
“He was Donnie Baker to most of you, but Ron and Dad to us.”
Comedian and radio personality Ron Sexton, known for his character Donnie Baker on The Bob and Tom Show, has passed away suddenly at the age of 52
Ron Sexton pictured with his wife Tracey and their children. The family paid tribute, saying, “He was Donnie Baker to most of you, but Ron and Daddy to us.”
Ron’s family has not yet revealed his cause of death, but it is said to have been unexpected.
Born in Indianapolis in 1970, Ron was known for his love of comedy and baseball, and he honed his craft by working on his high school’s radio station as a baseball commentator.
He got his big break in 2005 when he started voicing his most famous character, Donnie Baker, on ‘The Bob & Tom Show’.
He also voiced characters including Floyd the Trucker and Kenny Tarmac.
His celebrity impressions, including recent ones of the fictional character Tony Soprano, have been a big hit with fans.
He also regularly shared his political views – or those of his character Donnie Baker – through his comedy, discussing issues such as free speech on his stand-up shows and on his YouTube channel.
Tributes have poured in from fellow comics and fans.
One fan commented on social media, “RIP… the legend #donnybaker #ronsexton.”
A second added: “Donny Baker was a sweetheart.”
Comedian Jon Reep also shared his grief for the loss of Ron on social media.
“I fell in love with him from the moment I heard him on the Bob & Tom show, and it made my day when he agreed to crash my podcast and take over,” he wrote on Twitter.
The hugely popular Bob and Tom Show was founded in 2011 by Bob Kevoian and Tom Griswold in Indianapolis and Ron was one of the most popular cast members
The comedian’s drummer and best friend, Dusty Privette, wrote: ‘When I reflect on Ronnie’s life and the legacy he left behind, I can’t help but marvel at the impact he’s made.
Ron Sexton, as Donnie Baker, brought joy, laughter and an authentic connection to countless lives.
His ability to make people feel like they are part of something special was a testament to his remarkable character.
As we mourn the loss of a dear friend and extraordinary entertainer, let us remember Ron Sexton not only for his comedic brilliance, but also for the immense love he had for his fans.
He concluded: ‘May his memory continue to bring smiles and happiness to all who were touched by his sincere spirit. I was extremely lucky to be in his shadow.’
Country singer and comedian Kristen Tuff Scott said in her tribute, “A friend like him doesn’t come around very often.”
That’s one of the many things that made him special. He cared about you, and not in a “how can I make money?” somehow… He was of a different race.”
“I miss you Ron!”
Host Pat McAfee also shared a tribute to Tom with a photo of the couple on The Bob & Tom Show.
He wrote, “We have lost one of my all-time favorite people.
Host Pat McAfee also shared a tribute to Tom with a photo of the couple on The Bob & Tom Show
“I was a fan long before I had the incredible opportunity to speak into their mic… So it was an absolute honor to meet Donnie and then Ron Sexton in their studio.
“He was always incredibly kind to me, and I am grateful to him for that. Rest in peace… The world will miss your presence… you did well.”
The hugely popular Bob & Tom Show was founded in 2011 by Bob Kevoian and Tom Griswold in Indianapolis and Ron was one of its most popular characters.
It was syndicated in early 2014 and has been described as “the most successful nationally syndicated morning drive show in radio history.”