Reverend R. Wayne Bonser, 95, of Rushville died at 2:17 a.m. Dec. 8, 2012, at Snyder's Vaughn-Haven Nursing Home in Rushville.Reverend R. Wayne Bonser, 95, of Rushville died at 2:17 a.m. Dec. 8, 2012, at Snyder's Vaughn-Haven Nursing Home in Rushville.
He was born June 24, 1917, in Schuyler County, a son of Roy and Bessie Illman Bonser. He married Lily Brown on Aug. 11, 1937, in Dallas City, Illinois. She preceded him in death on July 17, 2010.
Also preceding him in death were three brothers, Russell, Harold and Marion Bonser.
Surviving are one son, Robert Wayne (and Carol) Bonser of Livonia, Mich.; two daughters, Carol (and Ed) Gordillo of Decatur and Janice (and John) Vancil of Rushville; six grandchildren; five step grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and seven step great-grandchildren.
Reverend Bonser began his ministry at age 17, as a junior in high school, at Free Methodist Church in Canton. He served 11 different Free Methodist churches for over 51 years, retiring in 1982. After his retirement, he assisted Doddsville Methodist Church for 12 years and as temporary supply pastor at Sangamon Valley Presbyterian Church for 12 years.
He served on 11 conference committees, where he was president of the nominating and finance committees and treasurer of the board of trustees. He also was a member of Cowden and Rushville Rotary clubs, Schuyler County Food Basket, Gateway Conference and Schuyler County Ministerial Alliance.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Rushville Free Methodist Church with Reverends Phillip D. Ward and Rosalee Ross officiating. Burial will follow in Rushville City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Wood Funeral Home in Rushville.
Memorials may be made to Rushville Free Methodist Church, Culbertson Memorial Hospital Foundation or Snyder's Vaughn-Haven Nursing Home in Rushville.
Condolences may be sent to www.woodfh.net.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus