Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Harley Bonham
Nov 24th, 1927 - Nov 8th, 2018Harley P. Bonham, age 90, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Thursday morning, November 8, 2018, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
He was born November 24, 1927, at the family home in Oskaloosa Township, the son of Everett H. and Lena (Allphin) Bonham. He married Norma A. Wildbur November 26, 1948, in Louisville and together they have shared 69 years of marriage.
Harley served in the Army during World War II, stationed in the Philippines. He later graduated from the Illinois State Police Academy, continuing on to serve as an Illinois State Trooper for 25 years, retiring from his post in 1982. He was baptized into the Shiloh Church of Christ in 1949 and was known for his lifelong commitment to reading and studying his Bible. He was an elder of the church for 70 years and took pride in baptizing all 8 of his grandchildren. He was recognized as an accomplished author and historian of local and American history, publishing and appearing as a resource in countless articles and publications, and was a founding member of the Clay County Regulators reenactment group. An outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He has served as chaplain for the Sailor Springs American Legion for many years, and will also be remembered for his interest in performing and listening to bluegrass music.
He is survived by his wife: Norma Bonham of Flora; three children: Jesse (Lynette) Bonham of Oskaloosa, Roger (Cindy) Bonham of Oskaloosa, and Aleta (Jim) Tackitt of Flora; grandchildren: Emily (Ruben) Boyajian of Effingham, Jessica (Brandon) Lewis of Cisne, Jed Bonham of Flora, Christina (Michael) Tangman of St Peter, Mo, Kindal (Aaron) Eastin of Olney, Brian (Mindy) Tackitt of Flora, Angela Conrad of Terre Haute, IN, and Brent (fiancé Stephanie) Tackitt of St. Charles, MO; 12 great-grandchildren; 3 step great-grandchildren; 2 brothers-in-law; and 2 sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers-in-law.
A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Monday, November 12, 2018, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Anthony Oesch officiating. Interment will follow in Oskaloosa Cemetery with Illinois State Police and Military Funeral Honors presented. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Indiana Autism Society and will be accepted through the funeral home.