Obituary of Delma Bonner

Delma Bonner, age 87, of Idabel, Oklahoma passed away on Wednesday, February 20, 2008. He was born December 28, 1920 in Idabel, the son of Charlie and Mamie Barnes Bonner. Delma married Ruby Davis on September 4, 1943 in Boaz, Alabama. Delma was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served his country during WWII and Korea. During WWII he was stationed in Calcutta, India where he delivered mail to the men serving on the front lines. He was one of the very first mail carriers in Idabel and retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 31 years of service. Delma was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Idabel where he was a member of the choir for 30 years. He could be found working behind the scenes at the church helping in any way he could. He was an assistant scout master and in retirement, a dedicated volunteer at the Idabel Public Library for over 20 years. He was an avid ham radio operator, and he was licensed as W5VLW in 1952. He always found time to coach young men, which made a lasting impact on the lives of several, steering them on career paths in the sciences. Delma was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents; twin brother, Dan Bonner; and sisters, Mildred Harvey, and Irene Allen. Delma is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ruby Bonner of Idabel; sons and daughters-in-law, Alan and Jennifer Bonner of Stillwater, and Lee and Karen Bonner of Wylie, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Denny Long of Fairview, Texas; grandchildren and spouse, Kelly and Sam Little of England, Megan Bonner of Chicago, BethAnn Bonner of New York City, and Melissa Autry of Wylie, Texas; great-grandchildren, Sandy Little and Molly Little both of England, Braden Autry of Wylie, Texas; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church in Idabel.