John Huston Bonam

Celebration of the Resurrection: Thursday, July 3rd at 11:00 am at Providence Lutheran Church in Holland

John Huston Bonam, 89, of Swanton, passed away Monday, June 30, 2014 at St. Luke’s Hospital. He was born July 25, 1924 in Willoughby, Ohio to Frances and LJ Bonam and is predeceased by his sisters Phyllis and Janet. He grew up in Bellevue, Ohio and graduated from Bellevue High School. He served in the US Navy in 1943 and following a medical discharge he attended Bowling Green State University. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1948 and a Master’s degree in American History in 1963. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and sang with the university chorale. John taught American History and Government at Swanton High School from 1948 to 1966 and was the high school principal from 1966 to 1980. He particularly enjoyed teaching American History to the many excellent students and “just nice kids” at Swanton. He had many great memories of the years in the classroom and especially cherished hearing from former students.

John was a member of the Swanton Village Council from 1958-66, and served several terms on the Swanton Library Board of Trustees. He was an active member of Providence Lutheran Church for more than 30 years where he served on the Church Council. In his leisure time he was an avid supporter of the BGSU Falcons, Ohio State Buckeyes, Detroit Tigers and Swanton Bulldogs. In retirement he enjoyed traveling with his wife to many places in North America and Europe.

John is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marilyn; children Sara (Charles) Welge of Albany, NY, Mary Guerin of Germantown, WI and grandchildren Keith (Megan) Guerin and Natalie Guerin of Seattle, WA.

The family is grateful for the tender care provided by Community Health Professionals and Hospice of Fulton and Williams Counties, especially his principal care providers Randi, Deborah and Lindah, and for the care and comfort provided by the third floor staff at St. Luke’s Hospital; Jessica, Landon, Wendy and Mary.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 2, from 4 to 8 pm at Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton. A Celebration of the Resurrection will be Thursday, July 3, at 11:00 am at Providence Lutheran Church on Airport Highway in Holland, OH, where visitation will be one hour prior. A luncheon will follow the service. Interment at Swanton Cemetery will be private.

Memorials may be made to the Swanton Schools Foundation, Community Health Professionals & Hospice of Fulton and Williams Counties, or Providence Lutheran Church.

Residence: Swanton, Ohio

Visitation: Wednesday, July 2nd from 4 to 8 pm at the Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton

Interment: Private