Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1943
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
Earl Sonner Obituary
December 20, 1943 - May 8, 2023
Bradenton, Florida - Earl Paul Sonner, of Bradenton, FL/Buffalo, NY, a veteran of the US Army, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2023. He was born in West Seneca, NY on December 20, 1934. Earl was preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn (Schilling); his father, Paul; siblings: Irma, Paul, Ed and Arlene; children; David Wayne and Michael Edward.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Jennett Sonner (Davies); children: Charles (Carrie), Wendy Christensen (John), Michelle Oleksy (Jeff); eight grandchildren; Amber, Jerad, Joseph, Sarah, Kristen, Jenna, Lauren, and Ryan; and four great-grandchildren.
Earl retired from the US Postal Service after a 30 year career in Buffalo, NY. He enjoyed retirement with Jennett in Bradenton, FL and Lime Lake, NY, and spending time with family and friends in whatever he did. He loved serving others with his membership roles in the Korean War Veterans, VFW 10141, Disabled Veterans, Honor Guard and the Community Baptist Church. He enjoyed many hobbies including boating, playing cards, and helping others with any project.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held in his honor at Community Baptist Church, 5500 18th Street E, Bradenton, FL on Saturday, 5/27/23 at 9:30 a.m. with a lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Community Baptist Church or Tidewell Hospice Bradenton, FL.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Earl Sonner
2 Entries
George Schmidt
June 14, 2023
George Schmidt family sending condolences to Jennet & family. Very sorry for your loss. Earl was a great friend.
Pastor Jesse Nicholson
May 23, 2023
Earl invited our family to NY last summer to spend time with he and Jennett at the lake and going to Niagara Falls. It was a highlight of our summer road trip. We miss Earl already and we look forward to seeing him in heaven.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Earl Sonner's name
Memorial Events
for Earl Sonner
Funeral services provided by:
Covell Funeral Home & Cremation Services4232 26th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34205
How to support Earl's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Earl Sonner's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
