Terry Bonnett

Terrell Edward “Terry” Bonnett, son of Dale Edward Bonnett and Leila Elizabeth Bonnett was born September 10, 1956 in Osceola, Iowa and passed from this life Friday, January 21, 2022.Terry grew up in Osceola, IA where he received a diploma from Clarke Community High School. After graduation, he attended York College in York, Nebraska, where he met his future wife Patti Persinger.Terry and Patti were united in marriage on Jan 2, 1976 in Norton, Kansas where they established a home on the family farm. From this union was born four daughters; April Leah, Amber Dale, Holly Lynne, and Aubrey Beth. The family created countless memories over the next 25 years in Norton. After all children graduated, the couple relocated to Topeka.Terry had a dedicated career of 31 years of service in the Quartermaster Corps., enlisting in the Kansas Army National Guard in 1985 in the 170th Maintenance Co. In 1989, he was Non-Commissioned Officer of the year and in 1990 he was selected to support reconstruction and reestablishment of St Croix, USVI after hurricane Hugo ravaged the island. There he fell in love with the island and he and Patti returned multiple times after their children where grown. He participated in many high-profile missions to include 21st TAACOM, US Army South Panama and Germany, receiving commendations from field grade and general officers for his logistical expertise and dedication. In 2000, upon completion of Warrant Officer Candidate School, he was appointed the Central Issue Facility Manager/PBO for the State of Kansas, where he was immediately in the spotlight with numerous states visiting to replicate his operation. The National Guard Bureau appointed him to the NGB Configuration Control Board where he served for five years, recommending numerous policies and procedures that resulted in smoother conversions nationwide. He deployed with the 635th RSG/377th TSC to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait in 2006. He served as Deputy PBO for the CPBO office, State CSDP/SAIIT Team Coordinator, Assistant DMC and PBO/Deputy S4 for the 235th RTI, where his initiatives were instrumental in receiving the TRADOC accreditation of an “Institution of Excellence” as well as awards for COMET inspection and CSDP. In 2016, Terry was given the Distinguished Order of St Martin Award, which is only open to a select few, and recognizes those elite few whose careers have embodied the spirit, dignity, and sense of sacrifice and commitment epitomized by Saint Martin. Terry had a proven record of excellence and was repeatedly commended for his integrity, superior leadership, positive attitude, dedication to mission accomplishment, and logistical expertise. He retired in 2016, as Chief Warrant Officer Four (CW4) with many other awards and decorations, including two Meritorious Service Medals.Terry was a dedicated family man and had just celebrated his 46th wedding anniversary with his “sweet thing” Patti. He was a member of the Church of Christ where he served in many facets, but known for his song leading. After retiring from the military, he enjoyed spending time at the farm in Norton and doing projects such as fencing and solar wells. He loved to spend time with family, go fishing, watch “his” bald eagles, cheer on the Chiefs and the Royals, and enjoyed creating memories through impromptu family sing-alongs. He was kind with the best sense of humor and never passed up an opportunity to help others, even if a stranger.Those relatives who preceded Terry in death were his father, Dale Edward Bonnett, mother, Elizabeth Russell Bonnett, children, April Leah and Holly Lynne Bonnett.Terry leaves to cherish his memory, wife, Patti Kay of Topeka, KS; daughter, Amber Dale Bonnett of Topeka, KS; daughter, Aubrey Beth (Alex) VanderHamm of Newcastle, WA. Also surviving are his sister, Sherria Kaye Lange of Clive, IA; sister, Vicki Sue (Russell) Flaherty of Murray, IA; nieces and nephews, Crystal (John) Lange-Even of Longmont, CO, Jerod (Jess) Flaherty of Murray, IA, Marie (Paul) Henry of Osceola, IA, Emily (Joe) Nadler of Earlham, IA as well as many other relatives and friends. Terry was a wonderful husband, father and friend. He was an inspiration to many and will be missed by all.Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Burial will follow at the Norton Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, January 28, at the funeral home. Condolences may be directed to the family at www.plumergobber.com

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