Clayton W. Bonham Sr., 85, of Coldwater passed away on Friday, November 27, 2015 at the Community Health Center of Branch County.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements were cared for by Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
Clayton was born March 26, 1930 in Coldwater to Francis “Frank” and Leila “Pat” V. (Smith) Bonham. He entered the United States Army on January 4, 1951 in Detroit, Michigan and was discharged on October 6, 1952 at Ft. Custer, Michigan having attained the rank of Sargent. He received the United Nations Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star and One Overseas Bar.
He married Geneva Mae Thatcher on March 24, 1956 in Angola, Indiana, she preceded him in death on April 14, 2003. Clayton worked for Acorn Window Manufacturing in Quincy for 15 years. He also owned Bonham’s Meat Market in Tekonsha for several years. He will be remembered for being a plumber as well, as he helped his father in the plumbing business for most of his life.
Clayton was a Life member of the Quincy American Legion Post and a former member of the Coldwater Eagle Lodge. He enjoyed being with his friends and telling a good story or two. He was a very giving and loving man, but he especially loved his family and all of his grandchildren.
Clayton is survived by his daughter, Sherri Jane Bonham of Sturgis, his former son in law Kenneth DeBusk of Sturgis; his son Clayton W. (Billie Ann) Bonham Jr. of Coldwater; his brother, David (Edith) Bonham of Cheboygan, Michigan; his sister, Shirley Schleicher of Kelso, Washington; his grandchildren, Clayton W. (Angelica Daughtery) Bonham III of Homer, Billie May (Dylan Cranford) Bonham of Homer, Carlton N. Bonham of Coldwater and Charles F. Bonham of Coldwater; his great grandchildren, Rosella May Cranford of Homer; his brother in law, Doyt (Joyce) Thatcher of Brooksville, Florida, his two sister in laws, Kay Bolton of Brooksville, Florida and Linda Patton of Arkansas and several nieces & nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his granddaughter Courtney R. Bonham and his two brothers, Robert and Richard Bonham.
Memorials may be directed to the family.