GERALD BONNEAU

1942 - 2023

GERALD BONNEAU

ap

July 6, 1942 July 12, 2023

Gerald Bonneau passed into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior in the wee hours of July 12, 2023, at home as his wife held him close in her arms. He had just celebrated his 81st birthday. Gerald was born to Nona and Ruth Bonneau in Haskell, AR, on July 6, 1942. His family moved to the Imperial Valley in 1946. Gerald attended school in El Centro, graduating from Central Union High School. He met his future wife, Maxine, while working at Faure Caterpillar Tractor Company as she was the shop secretary. They got married on December 21, 1964, just after he was drafted into the Army to serve our Country. He proudly served in Munich, Germany, during the Vietman War in the 24th Infantry Division. They were married for 58 years.

Gerald and Maxine had two children, Gerald Jr. and Terri, she was born with cerebral palsy. They devoted their lives to caring for her. Gerald loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. His father was a minister, and Gerald led singing, which he loved to do. Gerald had a great sense of humor and loved to keep things lively.

Gerald worked for Caterpillar Tractor Co. and learned to be an excellent mechanic while working there. He worked for Sun Harvest for many years. He retired from the University of California, Davis Agriculture Extension after 14 years in 1996. He had several hobbies, which consisted of his antique cars. He loved his chickens for over 50 years. He learned to do woodwork well. He spent hours working and making wooden antique cars and name plates. No one left his house without being given a piece of his woodwork. He loved to make little wooden cars for the grandchildren.

Gerald was an avid bowler and also taught his son to bowl. They went to many tournaments and won a few as a team. As his health was declining, he had to stop bowling. Gerald was a wonderful family man and loved his wife and family dearly. He spent many hours caring for their daughter (53). Gerald loved watching sports on TV and was always happy when his team won. He will be dearly missed.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Maxine of 58 years; son, Gerald Jr. (Ledeana); daughter, Terri Bonneau; brothers, Harold Bonneau and Nona Bonneau; grandchildren, Tom Bonneau, Amy Larson (Dave), Christina Jahnke (Chris), Candice (Julio) Cano: great-grandchildren, Bella Bonneau, Olivia Ross, Ryan Ganke, Anna, Judah, Benjamine, and Hope Cano; and many nieces and nephews, most of whom thought of him as a father figure.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, from 6 to 9 pm at Hems Brothers Mortuary. Funeral services are on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at 9 am at First Assembly of God Church, 875 Park Ave., El Centro. He will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery. Reception to follow at the chruch.