Henry O. Bonner, Jr.

Mr. Henry Othneil Bonner, Jr. passed from this life into eternity on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Homegoing services will be Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Waco Memorial Funeral Home with burial to follow at Waco Memorial Park. The family will receive visitors Friday, April 5, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. 

Henry Othneil Bonner Jr. was born October 28, 1940 in Waco, Tx to the parentage of Henry Othneil Bonner Sr. and Robbie Mae Howze Bonner. Henry attended Kirk Wilson Elementary and later A. J. Moore High School graduating in 1958. While in high school Henry was in the A. J. Moore H. S. marching band. After graduation he attended Paul Quinn College, and later joined the United States Army serving 8 years on active duty. He later joined the Army National Guard serving 20 years, retiring with a total of 28 years of Military Service. He worked at General Tire and Rubber Co. for 16 years to its closing; and afterwards Huck Manufacture until he retired in 2002. 

Henry accepted Christ at an early age under the late Rev. L. F. Hardee as a member of First Baptist Church NBC, Incorporated, where he was active in the Boy Scouts and all youth groups. In his adulthood he was a member of St. Mary's Baptist Church where he served as head deacon. He later joined 2nd Missionary Baptist Church where he was a deacon, Sunday school teacher, a member of the Men's Choir, and Mass choir; where he served as an advisor. 

In 1966, he met the love of his life, Shirley Cavitt, and they were married six months later on March 18, 1967. They built an amazing life together and he was a very good provider for his family. His desire was to have a yearly vacation that would build life long memories and provide his children, grandchildren, and nieces & nephews with culture and experiences. After his retirement, he and his wife became world travelers traveling throughout the Americas, Europe, and Africa. Their most memorable trip being their 50th wedding anniversary vow renewal in the Holy Land. 

Henry was a multitalented musician that played the saxophone and drums, and was a drummer in a show band. He was a lover of different genres of music and also enjoyed the performing arts. Henry was also a member of the Masonic Lodge in his adulthood. An avid sports fan of all kind; his favorites being baseball, football, and basketball. He also enjoyed collecting cast iron model cars and loved Western films. More than anything, his favorite pastime was reading and history. 

Throughout his lifetime, he touched a multitude of people. Always demonstrating his overwhelming love and compassion for them with an encouraging word. He always had a BIG SMILE on his face and was kind to anyone he met. He enjoyed giving to charities, St. Jude's Children's Hospital being his most fond cause. He also loved volunteering for Meals on Wheels along side his wife for the last 10 years. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him. 

Preceding him in death are his parents; sister Codell Bonner Roberts; and grandson Jeremy Rashard Bledsoe. 

He leaves to cherish his wonderful memories his devoted wife, Shirley Cavitt Bonner of 58 years; one son James (Roxanna) Bledsoe; three grandchildren Amber Robinson, Daniel Robinson and Jasmine Bledsoe; four great grandchildren; Kaden Nugent. Hardee Minnitt Jr., Za' Marr Minnitt, and Jalen Gillis II; one goddaughter Nia’Cordeja Johnson Gillis; one sister Ruth Olivette Russell; three sister-in laws Ruby Faye Degrate, Carolyn Sanders and Lena Bolridge; and a host of nieces. nephews, cousins, and friends.