Roger Lee Bonney

Roger Lee Bonney of Olivet, MI, died Monday, October 5, 2020 at Henry Ford Allegiance Health at the age of 80.  Roger was born in Jackson, Michigan on January 20, 1940, the eldest of 3 children to Roger and Madonna (Sisson) Bonney.  After graduating from Jackson High School in 1958, he attended Houghton College, NY.  After returning to Jackson, he began decades of employment with Sears, Roebuck, Inc., taking his family to Bloomington-Normal, IL, Hillsboro, IL and Troy, IL with various management positions before moving to Olivet, MI upon retirement. In typical fashion, he was busier in retirement than he ever was working.  He served on the Board of Directors of Family Life Radio, was an active board member of Central Wesleyan Church as long-time treasurer and piano player extraordinaire.  He also enjoyed race weekends at Michigan International Speedway, coordinating security efforts at gate 57 and on pit road, especially for NASCAR.  He was the person responsible for lighting up the skies with fireworks around mid-Michigan for Night Magic Displays, planning every show down to the finest detail. He absolutely loved making people happy with his art in the sky at the state capitol during Silver Bells in the City, 4th of July celebrations at Delta Township, Meridian Township, Eaton Rapids and Olivet Firemens’ Festival. The shows that were his favorites were the ones for the kids at the Great Lakes Burn Camps every year. In his later years, with the rise of the internet, he enjoyed sharing every cat video known to exist with family, friends and strangers. Roger is survived by his wife, Helen (Hawkins) Bonney; children, Roger (Rebecca) Bonney, Kim (Chris) Lee, Mike (Laura) Bonney; four grandchildren, Vanessa (Jake) Ubl, Ashlee (Sonny) DeLand, Rhett Miller, Sophia Bonney; six great-grandchildren, Jayden Ubl, Adyson Ubl, Caden DeLand, Grady Mast, Mason DeLand and Bradlee DeLand; brothers, Wendell (Marlene) Bonney and Edward Bonney; and many nieces and nephews.  According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will be held at the Central Wesleyan Church in Jackson on Friday, October 9, 2020 at 11:00am with Pastor Bart Hall officiating. A private family inurnment will take place at Roseland Memorial Gardens. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Family Life Radio, Central Wesleyan Church, or Youth Haven Ranch.  The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 10:00am until the time of service.

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