William Joseph “Joe” Bonner, age 83 of Salem, formerly of Centralia passed away at his home on Monday, March 14, 2022 surrounded by his family. Joe was a faithful member of the Salem Assembly of God. He loved serving the Lord. He enjoyed his time with his family, grandkids, great-grandkids, and his dog, Sadie. He served Honorably in the United States Navy from 1956-1959 on the USS Walker. He retired from Illinois Bell/AT&T after a long career. He belonged to the Illinois Bell Pioneers. He later went on to work for and retire from Gilster Mary Lee.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at Salem Assembly of God with Josh Phillips officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 am until the time of the service. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Sandoval, with Military Rites by the Centralia American Legion Post 446 and the VFW Post 2055. Memorials can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or to the Salem Assembly of God- Youth Fund and can be received at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com
He married Shirley Williams on September 24, 1959 in Centralia and she survives in Salem. In addition to his wife of 62 years, Shirley Bonner, he is survived by a daughter, Terri Easley and husband Rob of Salem; son, Mark Bonner of Centralia; grandchildren, Casey Ary and husband Johnny of Salem, Anthony Perkins and wife Yuki of Salem, Marissa Smith and husband Donavan of Arkansas, and Mitchell Easley and wife Melissa of Arkansas; twelve great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Joe was born on July 19, 1938 in Centralia, the son of James William and Zella Paulina (Smith) Bonner. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jim Bonner and Roy Bonner; granddaughter, Amanda Perkins; and niece, Gina.
