Obituaries

WINAMAC - Tommy Joe “Tom” Bonnell, 71, of Indianapolis, passed away Sunday, Nov. 27.

He was born Sept. 18, 1951 in Winamac, to the late Sherald L. “Shay” and Verla Glenn (Haselby) Bonnell. He was a 1969 graduate of Winamac Community High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Ball State University. He married Sarah Lynn Hutchens, who preceded him in death.

Tom Bonnell

He is survived by sons, Shay (Angie) Bonnell, Domenick (Tiffany) Calabrese, Trent Bonnell and Travis (Jessica) Bonnell; his sister, Charlene (Jim) Planck; nephews Kevin and Corey Planck; nephews Jeff, Kent, and Brad Bonnell; nieces Cristy (Planck) Hankla, and Michelle J. (Bonnell) Grostefon. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Avery, Brady, Bowen and Briggs Calabrese; Audrey, Grant and Aspyn Bonnell; Carter and Connor Bonnell, and Ethan Lamar; a host of dear friends, grateful students, and a score of former employees of The Braun Corporation and Legend Valley Products/O’Brien Manufacturing.

Mr. Bonnell was dedicated to serving his family and his wife of 47 years. Known for his quick, dry wit and sense of humor, he was a dedicated and loyal soul who was happiest making memories with his family and friends. He absolutely loved enriching the lives of his grandchildren through his family’s genealogical records, as well as regaling them with stories of yesteryear in Pulaski County. He never passed on an opportunity to visit and share with his children and grandchildren, and appreciated his own quiet moments with family, oftentimes celebrating life with good barbeque and a small glass of Miller High Life. He was a longtime member of the Northern Indiana Power from the Past, Inc., and an avid collector of all things related to antique tractors and farm machinery, including toy antique tractors, and numerous full-size working models that he would often painstakingly restore to their original condition. When there was time to get away, he would make his way with his family to Lake Maxinkuckee or Bass Lake where many memories were made.

Mr. Bonnell will be honored and remembered as a parent, husband, colleague and friend. Services will be held at 4 p.m.,  Saturday, Feb. 18, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac with visitation two hours prior to services at the funeral home.  

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial donations be sent to the Community Foundation of Pulaski County, and designate the donation to the Sherald & Verla Bonnell Family Educational Fund. Donations may be made online, and dedicated to Tommy J. Bonnell.

Online condolences available at: www.frainmortuary.com