Tommy Bonner

Thomas “Tommy” Jesse Bonner, 63, of Wichita Falls went to heaven on July 22, 2022 in Wichita Falls, TX. Tommy was born December 31, 1958 in Clovis, New Mexico to Thomas and Nellie Bonner.  He was the middle son of three boys and his mother once described him as a “mischievous teddy bear.” Tommy attended Clovis High School where he was a member of the 1973 State Championship football team and he graduated in 1976. He then attended Eastern New Mexico University and played football until a knee injury cut his college football career short.  Next, he started working for Cottle Construction and then moved on to a job with the Santa Fe Railroad. After a short stint with the railroad, he began his career with Southwestern Public Service Company as a lineman. He worked his way through the ranks while continuing his education, earning a bachelor's degree from Eastern New Mexico University and eventually becoming a District Manager for SPS. 

Tommy was active in his community as well.  After serving on the board of Directors for several years, Tommy served as President of the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce in 1996.  He was an active Rotary member and also served on the Curry County United Way for many years. He was a member of Central Baptist Church in Clovis. In 1998, he moved to Amarillo and in 1999 he bought Wall Trends and had an incredible journey as a small business owner in Amarillo for several years. 

Tommy worked hard at all that he did and the driving force behind everything he did, was to take care of his children. Tommy welcomed his first daughter, Heather, in 1979. He welcomed a second daughter, Tiffany, in 1984 and he got the surprise of his life when he welcomed triplet sons Thomas, Jordan and Blake in 1989.  He took his kids on many adventures and he shared his love for the outdoors with his kids every chance he got.

Tommy was an avid hunter and fisherman and never missed an opening day. He enjoyed a good elk hunt and had a knack for catching largemouth bass. He loved to go to fishing tournaments with his brother at Ute Lake and shared his love for fishing and hunting with his kids, especially his boys. 

He was a huge Clovis Wildcat fan and never missed a game in his younger years. He eagerly traded in his purple for black and silver when his kids started attending school at Randall High.  He loved to watch his kids play any sport, but Friday night football games were one of his absolute favorite things. 

Once he started having grandkids, he found his most beloved role – that of a grandfather, Bapa. He continued to share many of his favorite things with his grandkids which included hunting, fishing, donut dates, big family breakfasts, cherry pies and card games. He was warm and welcoming and always made sure his grandkids knew how much he loved and adored them. 

He married Marianne Bonner on September 6, 2009 and moved to Wichita Falls. While in Wichita Falls, he worked for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and then at Sheppard Air Force Base as the Sexual Assault & Response Coordinator. He managed prevention programs such as the Teal Rope Program, which educated young airmen with tools to become tomorrow’s leaders. He finished his career journey there as a proud Civil Servant and American. He especially loved to attend air shows with his family and share his pride in our military with his grandkids. Marianne and Tommy enjoyed a good glass of wine, traveling, and spending time together. He never met a casino he didn’t like. 

Tommy was full of life. He was strong and brave and took care of those he loved in every way. He loved his wife, his family and his grandkids immensely. He wanted nothing more than to stay and be with them. He also knew and believed wholeheartedly that God was faithful and loving and eternity awaited him. He bravely faced the end of his life, resting in the promise and hope of an everlasting God. 

Tommy is preceded in death by his father and his mother. 

Tommy is survived by his wife, Marianne Bonner of Wichita Falls; His daughter Heather Ladd and husband Micah, of Amarillo, and their children, Mason, Boston and Emme;  His daughter, Tiffany Hooker and husband Keenan, of Amarillo, and their children, Kaden, Kline and Kollin; His son, Thomas Bonner, of Amarillo and  son, Brycen; his son Jordan Bonner and wife Lacie, of Amarillo, and their children, Ryleigh Bell and Sadie; His son Blake Bonner and wife Ellee, of Amarillo and their children, Marlee, Annee and Sulli.

His brothers Ed Bonner and wife Sharon of Bel Air, Maryland and his brother Jim Bonner and wife Melinda of Clovis, NM. As well as numerous nieces and nephews.

His step daughter Andrea Franklin and husband John of Aledo, Texas and their children Meredith and Ryker; his step son Daniel Johnstonbaugh and wife Jessica of Dayton, Texas and their children Cade, Mallory, and Landry; his step son Jacob Johnstonbaugh of Richardson, Texas; and family members and dear friends. 

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, August 1, 2022 at 10 AM at Hampton Vaughn Funeral Home in Wichita Falls, Texas, with burial to follow at 4 pm in Amarillo, Texas at Llano Cemetery. Celebration of Life will be held at 5 pm at Hillside Christian Church in Amarillo on Monday, August 1, 2022. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to First Step of Wichita Falls.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.