Robert E. Bonnell, 80, of Walbridge, Ohio and formerly of Toledo passed away Monday, October 29, 2007 at St. Charles Mercy Hospital. He was born in Weston, West Virginia on February 22, 1927 to Onal and Genevieve (Beamer) Bonnell. He was a US Army veteran of World War II. Upon completion of his service to his country he returned to marry his high school sweetheart , JoAnne Teter and move to Toledo. Bob served 25 years with the Toledo Fire Department spending most of those years as the departments first "Fireman Freddie" before his retirement in 1981. During his early retirement he worked as a funeral attendant for the Eggleston Meinert Pavley Funeral Home in Oregon.
Bobs memberships included Paragon (Lotus) Masonic Lodge F & AM ( 33rd degree), Zenobia Shrine Stewards, VFW Post #2510 and 40-8 Society of the American Legion. He had life memberships in the Scottish Rite, the Arthur Daly American Legion Post and the National Rifle Association. His hobbies included; garage sales, hunting, fishing, family, and being "Pudding Papa" to his great grandson. He was also an avid collector and was very proud of his collection of 4,000 cuff links and over 50,000 marbles.
Surviving are his loving wife, JoAnne, with whom he just celebrated 60 years of marriage (June 28, 1947); children, Gregory (Mary)Bonnell and Beverly (Kevin) Sawyer; grandchildren, Angie and Brianne Sawyer, Rob, Mike, Adam and Brian Bonnell and great grandchildren, Kleiston and Ria. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers and a sister.
Family and friends may visit at the Eggleston Meinert Pavley Funeral Home, Oregon Chapel, 440 S. Coy Road, Oregon, OH on Thursday from 5 to 9 pm and Friday from 2-9 p.m. American Legion services will be Thursday at 7:00 pm and the Toledo Fire Departments Last Alarm service at 7:00 pm on Friday. Funeral services will conducted in the funeral home on Saturday at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in Lake Township Cemetery. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy in Roberts memory are asked to consider The Gideons Toledo East Camp or Memorial United Church of Christ .