Don M. Bonnell

SIDNEY — Don M. Bonnell, formerly of Sidney, was the last of the eight children generation of Clarence Sr. and Ethel Consoer Bonnell. He ended his earthly life Wednesday, June 13, 2018, in Lake Worth, Fla., at the age of 85.

Mr. Bonnell was born in Urbana at Mercy Hospital on April 22, 1933, the identical twin of Dean Bonnell. He was quiet and stoic as he succumbed to cancer without agreeing to chemotherapy.

For 43 years, he and his surviving life partner, Jim Nelson, lovingly cared for one another.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Clarence Jr., William, Wayne, James, Jack and Dean; and sister, Mary Jean Lafenhagen. The surviving spouses are Mildred Bonnell, Jean Bonnell, Barbara Bonnell, Bonita Bonnell and Glen Lafenhagen. There are 16 nieces and nephews in the next generation, with 32 children in the following generation, and the legacy of the Bonnells yet continues. This was a close and loving family that understood the bond of sharing and caring.

Don graduated from Unity High School in 1951, served in Korea in the Army from 1953 to '55, graduated from mortuary school and worked as a funeral director in Illinois and Florida until retirement in 2008.

He shared a special joy with several dogs, especially Cindy, Ruby and Daisy, and also with Charlie the cat. He loved any animal, and they reciprocated with affection. He enjoyed having a good time, sharing a funny joke or playing the penny slots. Don was known to be a gentleman with a gentle soul.

Don grew up in the country in Sidney until after he graduated from high school. The Bonnell family had a farm, and the eight children provided their own entertainment, developed creative talents and could build and fix almost anything. The farm also had a variety of animals, the family gathered to bale hay and then make homemade ice cream, the women cleaned and froze corn by the bushels while the youngsters romped and played and caught the lightning bugs at dusk.

They shared many simple and fullfilling times, and it was an idyllic setting. The family is grateful for the many happy years shared and especially mourn the death of Don Bonnell, the last of the eight siblings. He will long be remembered and cherished by family and many friends.