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A.L. ‘Punk’ Bonner, Jr.
On June 2nd, Punk “mosey’d” on home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Punk was surrounded by loved ones that praised God for creating a man that loved us, our families, our friends; and could serve his community with leadership accomplished by one who was a servant first.
A.L. ‘Punk’ Bonner, Jr. was born to Ruby & Arthur Bonner in Indiahoma, Oklahoma on December 10, 1935. After graduating from Lawton High School and being a member of the Corp at Texas A & M, he transferred to Oklahoma A & M and graduated with a degree in Animal Husbandry. During his stay at Oklahoma A & M he was a member or ROTC, Block & Bridle, and a lifelong brother to the members of Alpha Gamma Rho. Punk married Katy Kay Keathley on December 28, 1957 and they moved back to Lawton and raised three children: Katy Beth, Bob and Becky.
Lawton recognized Punk’s civic contribution as a member of Jaycee’s Junior Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, Rotary Club, 4-H Club and Wichita Mt. Sunrise Service, by awarding him 1961 Outstanding Young Man of Lawton. Punk contributed to the youth of Lawton by being President of the School Board as well as Little League Coach and taking the First United Methodist Youth Group on “Mystery Trips”. Punk also served his country in the Oklahoma National Guard for 14 years being honorably discharged at the rank of Captain. He was a Master Mason in Lawton Triangle lodge 548, 32nd degree mason in Guthrie, OK , York Rite in Lawton, OK Shriner in India Shrine Temple, and a member of the Old Wheels Unit.
In Lawton, Punk was a plant manager for Katy-K Meat Packers. When he moved his family to Garber, Punk joined the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, retiring as the Director of the Plant Industry. Governor Frank Keating awarded him for his work for the state by proclaiming July 1, 1998 as A.L. “Punk” Bonner Day.
A sad day for Punk was March 1, 1997 when Katy Kay passed away. After traveling solo for two years, he asked Pat Rhodd to be his jeeping partner and they married on July 24, 1999. Enjoying their retirement they crisscrossed the U.S. visiting family, friends, and AGR buddies. They even ventured across the pond and took Pat’s daughter Suzanne and her two girls; Ashley and Amber with them to the “Big Ben”. Great memories were made and great photos where taken.
Punk and Pat joined the Village United Methodist Church where he served as church secretary and president. They both enjoyed serving Oklahoma in the Agricultural Aviation Association. Punk served as executive director in 1998 and was made a honorary member. His last accomplishment was serving on the BritVil Community Food Pantry, organizing the purchase of land and building their new site. The most surprising accomplishment for Punk came from his AGR brothers honoring him with the Pi Chapter Hall of Fame in 2014.
Punk is survived by: his wife Pat Wilhelm Rhodd Bonner, his sister Jo Morris, his children and their spouses: Gregg and Katy Beth Chostner and their three children: Justin (Eunsook), Tyrell, and Kilee (Isaac); Bob and Marcia Beth Bonner and their two children Bo (Robyn) and Bobby Jay (Clarissa); and Randy and Becky Mannschreck and their two children Brad and Ryan; Teresa and Jim Bath and their two children: Rachel and Ryan; Suzanne Bray and her three daughters: Ashley and Amber Bray, and Sarah (Jose) Santana; great-grandchildren: Elias, Stella, Antonia, and Finnian Bonner, Aiden Chostner, and Caleb, Daniel and Joshua Santana. A celebration of life for A.L. “Punk” Bonner, Jr. will be held at Village United Methodist Church on June 7th at 5:00PM.
In lieu of flowers, information on donating to OSU Wesley Foundation, OSU AGR Educational Foundation and VUMC.
OSU Wesley Foundation
823 West University Avenue
Stillwater, OK 74074
Tel: 405.372.5830
Village United Methodist Church
2501 West Britton Road
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
Tel: 405.751.8116
Oklahoma State University Alpha Gamma Rho
Educational Foundation
C/O Mr. Al Hudson
5011 West Elk
Duncan, OK 73533
Susy Morris says
I was so happy when I bought my house and found out who my next door neighbors were. We have had a lot of memories from way back to Camp Fire to the present. To the whole family, you know how special you are to me. I still miss Katy K (I even named my dog after her) and will miss Punk. I am glad he is no longer suffering. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ron & Jackie Reynolds says
Punk was a good friend and a fine guy. May the good lord be with him and his family! Ron & Jackie Reynolds
Marlene Perner Morgan says
When Katy Kay first came to OSU (Ok. A & M.) she became a member of Chi Omega Social Sorority. We were roommates. (l955-1958) She was fascinating, loving, so talented. I last saw her in Tulsa shortly before her death. I attended an art show and bought one of her paintings. I will treasure it always. She came to OSU with an already established relationship with “Punk Bonner.” He was a fun guy to know. It is good to read what he has been doing all these years. “Hello” to the family tree that has developed. How many of you have red curly hair? She was adorable. I was trying to loose weight. She would put chocolate on my dresser to see if I could resist the temptation. It was a great lesson. Love and Blessings to all of you.
Jackie and LeRoy Schultz says
What great fun we had! We remember those ‘art show’ times and enjoy them again and again. Punk was always a dependable and talented friend, admired by all who knew him. He was an example to attempt to emulate. Blessed to have known him and called him a friend.
Jackie and LeRoy Schultz says
What great fun we had! We remember those ‘art show’ times and live them again and again. Punk was always a dependable and talented friend, admired by all who knew him. He was truly a man worthy of attempting to emulate. Our love goes out to you, the family, at this time. Let the great memories make it easier.
Maerita Wolverton says
Punk was a great friend! We spent many years making that trek to the cabin in Eagles Nest. I had been a friend of Katy’s from the 3rd grade. I spent many hours sitting by a stream or rock, watching Kate paint those beautiful pictures. All of our kids grew up together there. I send my love and prayers to Becky, Beth and Bob. Punk was such an “easy” person to be around. He was such a gentle soul….and I loved his laugh!!
Margaret (Margie)Windler,Smith,Shreve says
I met Punk at your wedding/reception. I didn’t get the message that it was to be ‘western’ affair. If I remember
right I was a little over-dressed for the fun occasion, but enjoyed it anyway. There were a few there that I already knew and became friends with more. One can’t know Pat and Punk and not get introduced to all their friends and relatives.
It was a blessed group and everyone seemed to know why they were there. It will be the same way Sunday eve as we all “mosey” in to pay our respect.
Pat, you are a very blessed women having been married to two wonderful men that loved you back. It was my fortune to have been able to happen upon such wonderful people.
Yes, Punk is in a better place, doesn’t hurt anymore and can watch over all of us. I feel very honored to have know Punk and been able to call him my friend.
Please take care of yourself. Some day maybe we can get together and celebrate both you wonderful husbands and some memories we made at OSUI.
David Raper says
I first met Punk in 1979. He was my field supervisor at the Ag Dept. and I was sent to train with Punk in the Enid area. I was a brash 25 year old fresh out of OSU. Punk was low key and taught my how to deal with people in a quiet respectful way. He taught me many life lessons as well. He tucked me under his wing as he guided me thru my career. He and Dale Laubach were like my 2nd and 3rd fathers. I’ll never forget his distinct laugh and smile. He was so good to me and did not have to be but as we know it was just his nature. I never heard him say a discouraging word towards another individual. After 37 years or so he still would not tell me how he got his nickname. Everyday bout 3pm he would park his four wheel drive bronco in a local restaurant so we could do our reports. He always ordered coffee for me. I did not like coffee but since he was the boss I drank up. I wondered why I couldn’t sleep at the motel. Nowadays coffee is supposed to be good for you. Thanks to Punk I’m a pot a day guy now. So everyday I raise a cup as a salute to my old friend thru thick and thin. Such a great spirit and example is now having a cup with the master no doubt. Thanks Punk. May your family find comfort during this time. I’ll see you again some day old friend.
Ted Owens says
Punk and Katy Kay were our friends when I was in my first coaching job at Cameron College during a period of 1956-60. There were several couples that would get together from time to time and provided a lot of wonderful memories. Punk was a great guy and will be missed. Rest in peace, dear brother. Ted Owens
Danny and Carla Jack says
The Jack family always loved Punk…. Our deepest sympathy for his family!
James M Fullerton says
Way to go Punk!
gc says
Please accept my sincere condolences to the family. May the God of all comfort give you the comfort you need to endure this difficult time and the days ahead (2 Corinthians 1:3,4)
Bill Roberson, LHS '53, PM Norman Lodge #38 AF&AM says
You have achieved the goal of all good Masons, to live respected and die regretted. Godspeed Brother Bonner.