Jack Bonebrake

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandpa, Jack Bonebrake who left us November 15th at the age of 78. After a long journey with Alzheimer's and Vascular Dementia, Jack is finally at peace, free from the challenges that marked his later years.

Jack was born on February 8, 1947 in Columbus, Indiana to William and Lucille Bonebrake. He happily married his high school sweetheart Virginia "Gini" Myers on June 27, 1970. Jack loved celebrating his life with Gini, always bringing home flowers and chocolate covered strawberries to celebrate special occasions. They had three children who Jack loved deeply and would do anything for. His dedication showed in countless ways-whether it was driving to multiple stores in search of the Princess Diana Beanie Baby, waking up at 5 a.m. to stand in line for the newest Furby, or traveling more than an hour to bring home a cat the family simply had to have. He never hesitated to say "yes" to the many animals (dogs, cats, goats, and horses) his children-and his wife-brought home. His generosity and wholehearted love were constants in our lives.

Jack lived a life marked by dedication, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose. Following in his father and brother's footsteps, Jack graduated from Purdue University and proudly became a pharmacist-continuing a family legacy. As partner in the family-founded Northside and Holiday Drugs pharmacies where he started in 1970, he served the community with integrity, treating every customer and employee as a friend. Later after the pharmacy was sold in 1995, he worked for Revco, CVS and then Kroger until his retirement in 2010.

He was a former member of the Elks Club, a place where his kids practically grew up. Later, the whole family enjoyed going to Mark Pi's and spending time with each other and life-long friends.

Jack was never happier than when he was out on the water with a fishing pole in hand. Whether it was the quiet of evenings at Grandview Lake or the shared laughter on family and friends fishing trips to Canada or Lake Eerie, he found beauty and happiness in every cast. He kept track of how many fish each person caught and the ones that got away and had more fish stories than imaginable. There are so many fond memories shared on the lake, teaching his kids how to ski and trying to flip them off the tube by doing donuts. He always made time for his family.

His love for horses was just as strong. Jack had a gentle way with them, a natural understanding that can't be taught. Whether he was riding, going to horse shows or caring for them, he felt a connection that brought him pure joy. Horses reflected so much of who he was-steady and full of quiet strength. He especially cherished his horse, Money, who had once belonged to Kyle Petty. He loved sharing the history of Money and the pride it brought him.

He loved to go to the casinos and play his favorite games of video poker and blackjack. And anyone who knew Jack knew he never turned down a good game of euchre where his competitive spirit and quick wit made every game unforgettable. Jack loved the laughter, the teasing, and the friendly rivalry that came with a deck of cards and good company. When his kids were growing up, he always would amaze them with his magic trick, and to this day no one knows how he did it. These were some of the happiest evenings we shared as a family.

Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, friend, and family man-steady, kind, hard-working and always ready with a helping hand. He taught us kindness, resilience, and how to find joy in life's simple pleasures.

He leaves behind his wife, Virginia "Gini" Bonebrake; children, Clint Bonebrake, Stacy (Chris) Frazier, and Becky (Dan) Morrow; grandchildren, CeCe, Clare, & Collins Morrow, who will miss him more than words can express. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lucille; his brother, Dick (Barbara) Bonebrake; and sister, Judy (Dean) Eddy. While our hearts are broken, we are grateful for the memories, the lessons, the laughs and the love he shared with us all. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished. Though Alzheimer's took a lot from our family, it never took the love, smiles or laughter away.

A service to honor Jack's life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 22nd at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street with visitation from 9am-11am. Burial will be at Garland Brook Cemetery. If you have a photo or story that you would like to share with the family, please bring it and place in the basket for the family to enjoy at a later time.

Memorial contributions can be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, Bartholomew County Humane Society or the Alzheimer's Association.

Condolences, Special Memories and Video Tribute: barkesweaverglick.com