Reverend (Retired) Clinton W. Bonnell
Godfrey | Save
The Reverend (Retired) Clinton W. Bonnell, 86, went to be with the Lord at 3:40 p.m. Thursday January 27, 2012 at his home Provision Living in Godfrey with his family by his side.
He was born on October 25, 1925 at home in Alton, IL the son of the late Raymond William and Pearl Clara (Neuhaus) Bonnell.
He married Dorothy J. Holt on June 16, 1947 in Alton and she survives.
Graduating from Alton Sr. High School in 1943, he joined the US Navy at 17 years old. He was stationed at Aiea Heights, Oahu, Hawaii at the US Naval Hospital as a Pharmacist’s Mate, Third Class and honorably discharged on March 25, 1946
Upon discharge, he attended Shurtleff College in Alton for one year. Clint transferred to Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL, graduating in 1950 with a BA in Biblical Archaeology. Clint and Dotty moved to Los Angeles, CA, where he attended Los Angeles Baptist College and Seminary, graduating in 1954 with a Master of Divinity.
Clint and Dotty served as missionaries in the Philippines under Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE) for eight and a half years until 1967; they served their Lord and Master through pastoring, church planting, discipleship, teaching, memtoring and as houseparents to children of other missionaries while serving at Faith Academy, Manila, Philippines.
Clint worked for JC Penney as a receiving clerk/stockman for twenty years, retiring in 1990.
Clint was a lifetime member of Brown Street Baptist Church, formerly Milton Heights Baptist Church. As a faithful servant of the Lord, he was Chairman of the Deacon Board, and member of the Christian Education and Missionary Committees.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Donald Bonnell of Springfield, OH: three daughters and their spouses, Rebecca Bonnell of Alton; Carolyn (Mike) Justice of Springfield, OH; Ruth (Sam) Farmer of Alton; one brother, Raymond (Donna) Bonnell; one sister, Janice Flores of El Paso, TX; sister-in-law Betty Moppins of Godfrey; brother- in-law Jim (Kitty) Holt of Godfrey; six grandchildren and their spouses , Rachel (Wesley) Taylor of Brooklyn, IA; Tom (Amber) Justice of Springfields, OH; Shaun (Melissa) Justice of Pickerington, OH; Marci (Gary) Lininger of Columbus, OH; Stephen (Nicole) Rice of Arnold, MD; Suzi (TJ) Robbins of Wilsonville, IL; eight great-grandchildren, Alani and Caleb DeVilder; Tristen and Brogan Justice; Hayden Rice; Brayden, Savannah and Jeralynn Robbins; and one great-great-grandchild Jaeda Larsen; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters-in-law, Sally (Schlobohm) Bonnell and Virginia (Holt) Johnston.
In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 1 to 5 pm Sunday January 29, 2012 at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey. Visitation will also be held at Brown St. Baptist Church on Monday, January 30, 2012 from 9 am until the time of service at 10 am with Rev. Mike Myers officiating.
Burial will follow at Upper Alton Cemetery in Alton where Military Rites will be accorded by the Alton VFW Post 1308 Ritual Team.
Memorials may be made to the Association of Baptist of World Evangelism.
Elias Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey are in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
