Richard Bonham, 77
Funeral services for Richard Gerald Bonham, 77, of Bakersfield were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Elijah Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Bonham passed away at 7:20 p.m. Friday, July 5 at his home.
He was born Oct. 5, 1946, at Gainesville to Herbert Ruland Bonham and Doris Donna Jean Tackitt Bonham. Richard graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1964. On Aug. 14, 1970, he was married at Wasco, California, to Leslie Joan Tallon. He was a truck driver for over 50 years. Richard started driving in California, hauling hay for his uncle, J.B. Tackitt (Tackitt Trucking). The last 20 years, he drove for 4-F Trucking and had recently retired from driving. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan.
Richard enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids play ball. He especially loved fishing with his grandkids. Mr. Bonham loved the Lord and was a member of the Bakersfield Church of Christ, where he enjoyed leading song services. He was a loving family man and cherished time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Joan, of the family home; four children: Linda Fisk and husband, Mike, of Harrisonville, David Bonham of Carter Lake, Iowa, Rebecca Foster and husband, Kenneth, of Caulfield and Erin Rogers and husband, Scott, of West Plains; eight grandchildren: Kandi Shelton and husband Cody, Paige Fisk, Kraig Foster and wife, Lacie, Brett Foster and wife, Shala, Megan Rogers Smith, Taylor Rogers, Rylee Rogers and Tucker Rogers; three great-grandchildren: Farris, Miles and Lainey Foster; six siblings: Tommy Bonham and wife, Beverly, Harry Bonham and wife, Wanda, Mike Bonham and wife, Gail, Patty Sturgeon and husband, Gary, Blake Bonham and wife, Debbie and Cindy Martin and husband, David; one uncle, Billy Joe Tackitt; sister-in-law, Naomi Grontkowski; brother-in-law, Lowell Tallon; sister-in-law, Judy Tackitt and husband Jerry; brother-in-law, Joe Belt; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jerry and Lizzie Tallon; sister-in-law, Ramona Belt; brother-in-law, Joe Grontkowski; and one nephew, Nicholas Grontkowski.
Burial was in Elijah Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fair Haven Children’s Home and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775. Online condolences may be left at www.robertsondrago.com.