Ward Eugene Bonnett

Ward Eugene Bonnett, age 86, of rural Bussey, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at his home.
Ward was born on November 20, 1932 at his family home in rural Bussey, the son of Frank and Selma (McConnell) Bonnett. He grew up on the family farm in rural Bussey and attended school there.
Ward was united in marriage to Arlene Wilkins on December 20, 1952 at Kent Chapel in Oskaloosa. They were blessed with five children, Randy, Joan, Julie, Nancy, and Kim. Ward and Arlene enjoyed 66 years of marriage before his passing.
Ward joined the National Guard in 1949 and then entered into active duty in 1953, when he was deployed to Germany. Ward proudly served his country. After returning from service in Germany, he was a truck driver, worked on the family farm, built houses, and did carpentry work. Ward was a devoted member of the Bussey United Methodist Church, and could be counted on for everything from fixing toilets to making pancakes, he enjoyed playing slow pitch softball, was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and St. Louis Cardinals, but most of all loved spending time with his family.
Visitation for Ward will be held on Monday, August 19, 2019 at the Bussey United Methodist Church beginning at 4:00 P.M. Ward’s family will be present to greet friends and relatives from 5:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at the Bussey United Methodist Church at 10:30 A.M. Burial, with military honors will follow at the Pringle Cemetery. Following burial, a luncheon will be held at the Church.
Those left to cherish Ward’s memory include his wife of 66 years, Arlene Bonnett of rural Bussey; children, Randy (Nancy) Bonnett of Harvey, Joan (Regan) Wade of Baxter, Julie (Lee Williamson) Woollums of Greenfield, Nancy (Dennis) Miller of rural Bussey, and Kim (Donnie) Stark of Mt. Ayr; 19 grandchildren, Matthew Bonnett, Joel Bonnett, Jessica (Billy) Bacon, Emmy Leinen, Alex Leinen, Jessica (Marc) Held, Anna (Tony) Hilpipre, Andrew (Angie) Wade, Cody (Ami) Woollums, Becky Woollums, Jamie (David) Giles, Nicole (Laremy) DeGroot, Sarah (Tyler) Christian, Seth (Kristin) Williams, Luke Williams, Maddi (Jake) Bennett, and Bailea Stark; 34 great-grandchildren, Jayden, Wyatt, Gentry, Tyler, Matthew, Justis, Julian, Olivia, Elisha, Naomi, Jaysa, Deklynn, Grace, Ike, Payge, Lara, Wright, Cameron, Courtney, Haylee, Hannah, Shannon, Drake, McKayla, Scotty, Alayna, Zachary, Cora, Lydia, Caroline, Trace, Adeline, Eli, and Kennedy; also many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Ward is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Selma Bonnett; five brothers, Floyd, Ralph, Frank Jr., Carl, and Odie Bonnett; one sister, Irene Cox; and two grandsons, Zachary and Levi Miller.