Dr. Francis Walbridge Bonner Sr.

Dr. Francis Walbridge Bonner Sr. obituary, Columbus, GA

FUNERAL HOME

McMullen Funeral Home - Columbus

3874 Gentian Blvd.

Columbus, Georgia

Francis Bonner Obituary

Dr. (Lt. Colonel Ret.)
Francis Walbridge
Bonner, Sr.
August 28, 1925-
May 5, 2013
Columbus, GA- Dr. Francis Walbridge Bonner, Sr. of Columbus, Georgia passed away Sunday, May 5, 2013 at Columbus Hospice House.
A memorial graveside service with Full Military Honors will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, May 9, 2013 at Ft. Benning Main Post Cemetery with Chaplain Wayne Holloway officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service according to McMullen Funeral Home 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, Georgia 31907.
Dr. Bonner was born August 28, 1925 in New Canaan, Connecticut, son of the late George Remington Bonner and Edith Walbridge Bonner. He lived his early years in Greenwich, Connecticut and in 1936 moved with his parents to Clearwater, Florida; graduating from Florida Military Academy in 1942. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in July 1943, and served as an Aerial Gunnery Instructor until attending Engineer OCS at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He was commissioned a 2nd Lt in the Corps of Engineers on March 7, 1945 (at the age of 19) and served as a platoon, company, and battalion commander in engineer airborne, aviation, combat and construction units; as well as an advisor to Vietnamese, Korean, and German Engineer Units. He was a Master Parachutist and served overseas in Okinawa Japan (WWII), Korea (2 tours), Vietnam (2 tours), Germany and France. Preceding his retirement from active military duty in January 1970 as a Lt. Colonel, he served as Post Engineer at Ft. Stewart, Georgia and twice the Deputy Post Engineer at Ft. Benning, Georgia.
Following his retirement from active military service, Dr. Bonner incorporated his love of teaching into a second career in which he has taught social studies and business classes in high school, government and history courses at CVCC, education, management, and political science courses as an Assistant Professor for Georgia State University and as an Associate and full Professor (tenured) for Troy State University. For nearly seven years he was academic Dean at TSU-PC. He is a Professor Emeritus of Human Resource Management at Troy University and taught at its Phenix City Branch.
He was a Life Member of the Auburn University Alumni Association, the Disabled American Veterans, the Military Officers Association of America, the National Sojourners, the Sons of the American Revolution (Charter member of the local Coweta Falls Chapter), and the Troy University Alumni Association-as well as several Masonic Lodges and appendant Masonic Bodies. He has served in a leadership capacity in numerous Community Organizations, the Phenix City Rotary Club, the Fort Benning Chapter of the National Sojourners, the Columbus-Fort Benning Shrine Club, the Phenix City-Russell Branch of the American Heart Association, and the Coweta Falls Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Following the death of Dorothy Grace Helms Bonner, his first wife, in January 1990. Dr. Bonner and the former Betty Jean (B.J.) Brown were married on May 27th, 1995 until her death in 2009. While Dr. Bonner and B.J. were married they were able to pursue his love of travel with trips to Australia & New Zealand, the Caribbean's, Europe, Japan, and both Central and South America.
Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, George R. (Dave) Bonner, his first wife, Dorothy Grace Bonner and his second wife, Betty Jean (B.J.) Bonner.
Survivors include his brother, John R. Bonner (Nancy) of Clearwater, Florida; his three sons, Ronald Bonner (Pat) of Albany, GA; Fred Bonner (Frances) and Frank Bonner, Jr. (Martha) of Columbus, GA; his two daughters, Rene' Bonner Robinson (Joseph) of Columbus, GA; Amy Bonner McCain (Derek) of Gulf Breeze,; eleven grandchildren, Allen Bonner, Jason Bonner, Rachael Bonner, Mike Harmon, Shane Collier, Joy Bonner Anthony, April Bonner Kemp, Stephanie Fontana, Sara McCain, Nick McCain and Caitlin McCain, and ten great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions to be made to the American Heart Association 7167 Mobley Walk Dr. Columbus, GA 31904 or the American Cancer Society 233 12th St. #710 Columbus, GA 31901.
Those who wish may sign the on-line guest registry at www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com.



Published by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer on May 8, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
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Fred and Frank,

I remember meeting your dad once at the (then) Officer's Club at Fort Benning--a most energetic man. He was a man whose memory will need little prompting to be truly honored.
Best wishes to all the Bonner families as you go through this time of sadness.

Bill Ward
[email protected]
706-568-7990

May 10, 2013

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Mark Cantrell

May 10, 2013

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

American Heart Association

May 8, 2013

To Rene, Amy and All the Bonner Family.

Warmest of Regards to You All.

Frank Ferrell

May 8, 2013

The Coweta Falls Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, extends sincerest sympathy to the family of Frank Bonner, our Compatriot and Charter Member.

Hugh Rodgers

May 8, 2013

Fred,
I am sorry to read of your father's passing. We have lost another hero from the greatest generation. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
By the way, in case you do not remember me, I used to work with you at Tillman's Men's Wear at the Traffic Circle back in 66-67.
God Bless.

Sid Welch
Marietta, Georgia

Sidney Welch

May 8, 2013

Frank Bonner represented the finest that mankind has to offer. His presence and contributions to this community are numerous and sincerely appreciated. His earthly tenure reflected human concern and compassion. The community has lost a significant player.Rest in Peace Colonel Bonner and thanks for a job well done.

Greg Glass

May 8, 2013

There was no other like Frank Bonner. I am so proud to have known him and had him in our Rotary Club. He truly was a great American. His word was his bond! He loved his family and friends and loved life to the fullest!!! We will miss our dear friend.

PAT WALDROP

May 8, 2013

Frank Bonner was our neighbor and friend. A great sodier teacher, and true Patriot. He volunteered to help us in our many neighborhood events over the years. He will be truly missed. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family.
LTG (Ret.) Sam and Eilene Wetzel

LTG Sam & Eilene Wetzel

May 8, 2013

Amy, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your father fondly when we were neighbors and classmates. May God be with you and your family at this time.

Michelle McLaurin Price

May 8, 2013

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

The McMullen Family and the Staff of McMullen Funeral Home

May 8, 2013

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