Gerald Bonham, born May 9, 1941, in Nauvoo, Missouri, passed away April 21, 2013, in Cox Hospital after fighting a hard, courageous, 2 ½ year battle with lung cancer.
Gerald graduated from Blue Eye High School and earned degrees from Missouri State University, Emporia State University, and University of Missouri. He taught mathematics at Herculaneum, Mo. and at Reed, Glendale, and Kickapoo in Springfield, Mo. Gerald served as the first President of Springfield National Education Association during 1973-1977 and again during 1987-1991. Following retirement from teaching in 1991, Gerald began employment with Missouri NEA as a Uni Serv Director; he worked in this position for 17 years, retiring in 2009.
In 1962, Gerald married Keithleen Roberts, and they reared two sons: Brent and Jeff. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Bessie; siblings Willard, Charles Allen, Nadine, Bobby, Billy and Donald.
He is survived by his wife, Keithleen, Springfield; son Brent, his wife Jana, and their two children, David and Audrey, Shawnee, Ks; son Jeff, his wife Cathy, and their daughter Gabriella, Springfield; a brother Dillard and sister-in-law Patti, Springfield; a sister, Barbara Banning; a sister-in-law, Pauline Bonham. Green Forest, Ar; a sister-in-law, Darilene Rhoads, Springfield; many cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. Gerald’s life was truly a well lived life. He will be greatly missed.
At Gerald’s request, there will be no memorial service; visitation will be conducted at Greenlawn Funeral Home South from 5 to 7 pm, Thursday, April 25, 2013. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Crosslines, Schweitzer United Methodist Church, or the American Cancer Society .