Charles E. Bonwell

Charles E. Bonwell, 92, of Cambridge City went to be with his beloved wife Jean and his Lord and Savior on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at his residence.

He was born on November 19, 1924 to Ralph and Buelah Quinlan Bonwell and married the love of his life Norma Jean Cox on June 28, 1944 in Connersville, IN. Charles was raised by Jesse and Kathleen Bravard and entered the United States Navy on April 23, 1943. During World War II, he was a pilot in the Navy Air Corps in the Pacific Theater and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with five clusters.

He was employed for 43 years at Ford in Connersville, IN before retiring in 1987. He was also an avid restorer of antique John Deere tractors for many years. He was also an antique tractor puller and made his last hook in July of 2016 at the age of 91.

Charles was a member of the Milton Christian Church serving as an Elder. He also was a 50 plus year member of Milton Masonic Lodge #108 where he was a Past Master.

Charles is survived by his children Gregory A. (Jennifer) Bonwell, Marsha K. (Kendall Tollett) Gettinger, Kevin (Beth) Bonwell all of Cambridge City and Brett V. (Penny) Bonwell of Columbus, NE; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; a brother Roy (Mary) Bonwell; nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death his wife of 61 years Norma Jean (Cox) Bonwell; a grandson Scott A. Bonwell; brother William and sisters Betty and Annella.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at Milton Christian Church at 10:00 am with Rev. Scott Moistner officiating. Burial will follow in Valley Grove Cemetery where there will be military rites.. Friends may call at Waskom Capitol Hill Chapel in Cambridge City on Monday, March 20, 2017 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm where there will be Masonic services at 7:45 pm, and also one hour prior to the funeral at the church.

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