- Ron Sexton had a show booked on Friday before news of his death broke
- He helped make The Bob and Tom Show one of the most popular comedy shows on radio
Comedian and radio personality Ron Sexton, best known for his character Donnie Baker on The Bob and Tom Show, has died suddenly at the age of 52, his family said.
He died unexpectedly on Friday in Ohio while on the road in the middle of his stand-up comedy tour.
Ron was scheduled to play Friday and Saturday nights and had 39 more dates scheduled at venues across the US this year.
Sharing the news of his death via his Donnie Baker Facebook page, his family wrote on Saturday: “It is with great 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, best known for his character Donnie Baker on The Bob and Tom Show, has died suddenly aged 52
Ron’s family have not yet revealed the cause of his death, but it is said to have been unexpected.
Born in Indianapolis in 1970, Ron is known for his love of comedy and baseball and honed his craft working at the high school radio station as a baseball commentator.
He got his big break in 2005 when he began voicing his most famous character, Donnie Baker, on The Bob and Tom Show.
He also voices characters including Floyd the Trucker and Kenny Tarmac.
His celebrity impressions, including the recent one for the fictional character Tony Soprano, were a huge hit with fans.
He also regularly shares his political views – or those of his character Donnie Baker – through his comedy, discussing issues such as free speech in his stand-up shows and on his YouTube channel.
Tributes poured in from fellow comics and fans.
Taking to social media, one fan said: “Rip on… the legend #donnybaker #ronsexton.”
A second added: “Donnie Baker was a treasure.”
Comedian John Ripp also shared his grief over Ron’s loss on social media.
“I fell in love with him the moment I heard him on the Bob and Tom show and it made my day when he agreed to crash my podcast and take over,” he tweeted.
The comedian’s drummer and best friend, Dusty Privet, wrote: “Reflecting on Ronnie’s life and the legacy he leaves behind, I can’t help but marvel at the profound impact he had.
“Ron Sexton, as Donnie Baker, brought joy, laughter and an authentic connection to countless lives.
“His ability to make people feel part of something special is 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 laughter and happiness to all who were touched by his true spirit. I was extremely lucky to be in his shadow.
Country singer and comedian Kristen Tough Scott said in her tribute: “A friend like him doesn’t come around often.”
“That’s one of the many things that made it special. He was interested in you, not “how can I make money?” some way… He was a different breed.
“I miss you Ron!”
Host Pat McAfee also shared a tribute to Tom with a photo of the pair on The Bob & Tom Show.
He wrote: “We lost one of my all time favorite people.. I laughed at almost everything this boat builder sold and said and did.
“I was a fan long before I got the amazing opportunity to speak on their mic… So to meet Donnie and then Ron Sexton in their studio was an absolute honor.
“He’s always been incredibly kind to me and I’m grateful for that. Rest in peace… The world will miss your presence… do well.”
The wildly popular Bob and Tom Show was created by Bob Kevoyan and Tom Griswold in 2011 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 in radio history.”