THOMAS H. BONNER, SR.

“Thomas H. Bonner, Sr., age 94, of Canton, Ohio, was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, November 7, 2022. “TH”, as he was affectionately called, was born on March 16, 1928 in Coldwater, Tennessee to the late Sam Day Bonner and Aglyne (White) Bonner. He attended school in Tennessee until he moved to Ohio with his family.

In 1996, TH dedicated his life to the Lord at Peoples Baptist Church in Canton, Ohio where he was an active member until his death. There he served in the Trustee Ministry and sang in the Men’s Choir. TH took great pride in serving his church. Whether he was called on for his “handyman” skills to make repairs or to build a nativity scene, he went about his work with joy in his heart and pleasure in his soul. No job was ever too big or small when he was needed by his church family.

There was nothing that TH wouldn’t do to ensure his family had a good life.  He wanted “better” for his wife and kids. His career spanned decades working long hours day or night. He spent time running his own asphalt business, driving long-haul and local trucks, and retired from Stark Ready Mix, where he drove a cement truck. After retirement, he even had his own lawn care company and worked for Canton City Schools as a crossing guard! TH instilled a commitment to hard work, loyalty, humility; and most importantly, love into each of his children. That same commitment continued with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved to pass down his knowledge and skills. He was an excellent teacher! He and Betty took time out of their golden years to raise two of their great grandsons, Cordel and Cortrez Thomas, each to the age of 15. He could often be found on the sidelines of their sporting events well into his 70s. He was looked up to by many in his neighborhood and community.  

TH enjoyed going hunting for rabbit and deer in the winter and fishing in the summers. If he wasn’t home in his yard barbecuing, you could find him on the fishing bank. TH was our pillar; and it’s hard to imagine life without him with us every day. Our hearts are heavy and the pain for us will endure for sometime. But he suffers no more and is standing in eternal light. We know our patriarch is home with the Lord and hearing "job well done my faithful servant, job well done." He leaves a legacy of wisdom, kindness, memories, and acts of love to comfort us until we can see him again. TH was preceded in death by his father and mother, Sam and Aglyne Bonner; sister, Fannie L. (Bonner) James; brother, John D. Bonner; Niece, Hattie L. Wells; and sisters-in-law, Vera May (Blakely) Bonner, Tillie M. Newell, and Cammie R. Newell.  

TH leaves to cherish his memory, his lifelong loving wife of nearly 58 years, Betty G. Bonner; devoted children, Mark A. Mumford, Dennis L. (Beverly) Mumford, Tammy R. (Mumford) Means, Thomas H. (Stephanie) Bonner, Jr., and Angelene Bonner; two brothers, James (Laverne) Bonner and Jesse (Deane) Bonner; two brothers-in-law, Elihue (Deloris) Newell and Jimmie C. (Josephine) Newell; one sister-in-law, Catherine Polk Bonner; ten grandchildren, Courtney R. Mumford, Marcus C. Mumford, Thomas B. Mumford, Taylor D. Mumford, Malik R. Mumford, Hakeem W. (Tiffany) Mumford, Sumayyah I. Mumford, Jessica L. Bomar, Alexia M. Bonner, and Lacee N. Bonner; 20 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; and a host of caring nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.