Robert “Bob” Charles Bonner
Robert “Bob” Charles Bonner, 88, of Black Lake (Onaway), died Monday, January 12, 2026, at the Chelsea Retirement Community in Chelsea. Born to Sterling and Evelyn (Dust) Bonner November 3, 1937, in Onaway, Bob spent his childhood living just across the street from the old Onaway School. He graduated from Onaway High School in 1955 and went on to pursue higher education at Michigan State University (MSU), focusing on mechanical engineering as his career path, earning a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, and eventually becoming a certified professional engineer. He later earned his Master of Business Administration from Wayne State University in Detroit. He also earned a Management Leadership Certificate from Cornell University in New York.
While attending MSU Bob met Mary E. Hudson, sparking a friendship that soon grew into a lasting romance. On June 18, 1960, the two were married at the Coopersville Methodist Church, beginning a lifelong partnership. After their wedding, Bob and Mary settled in Peoria, Illinois, where Bob worked as a powertrain engineer at Caterpillar Manufacturing.
Two years later, he accepted a position with Walker Muffler Manufacturing, allowing Bob and Mary to return to Michigan, settling in Napoleon, where they remained for more than 30 years, raising their two sons. In 1966 Bob transitioned to the energy sector, taking a role as a mechanical engineer at Consumers Power, where he rose through the ranks in the gas and electrical production and transmission departments. His career evolved as he moved into consulting, culminating in his retirement from CMS in 1994, that led into his successful post-retirement consulting career.
After many years living away, Bob’s heart still remained in Onaway. After retiring, he and Mary made the decision to return home to enjoy their retirement years in the home that Bob designed on Black Lake. Bob attended the United Methodist
Bob is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Bonner; sons, Robert (Michelle) Bonner of North Carolina and Ronald (Jacki) Bonner of Manchester; grandchildren, Kathryn Bonner and Collin Bonner; sisters, Barbara (Phil) Keen of Tennessee and Patricia Peterson of Norway, Michigan. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Charlene, who died as a toddler.
A memorial service will be held at the Chelsea Retirement Community March 10, 2026. Bob’s final resting place will be in Onaway at Elmwood Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Bob to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Tunnel to Towers.
