Clifford Eugene Bonnell Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Clifford Eugene Bonnell, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away at the age of 85 on Wednesday, August 3, 2022. He passed away with family at his side in his residence in North Judson, Indiana. Cliff was born in Indian Creek Township, Pulaski County, Indiana, on June 16, 1937. He grew up walking Indian Creek with his cousin Gerald and acquired his lifelong love of fishing. Cliff was the oldest of six children of Emeron and Annabelle (Doen) Bonnell. He graduated from Pulaski High School and went on to Indiana State Teachers College, where he earned a teaching degree and met his future wife, Wanda Kirkpatrick. Cliff and Wanda were married July 19, 1959, at the Pulaski Presbyterian Church. Wanda said it was pouring rain that day, but at the time they said their vows the sun came out and shone on them through the stained-glass window like a spotlight! They enjoyed 63 years of a wonderful partnership of marriage. Cliff and Wanda moved to North Judson, Indiana, when Cliff got his first teaching job with the North Judson-San Pierre school system. He taught at the elementary school in North Judson for 35 years, retiring in 1994. His students recalled that Cliff instilled in them the ability to recognize their self-worth, self-respect, and the ability to think for themselves. Cliff loved teaching and all of his students. His co-teachers recall his creativity, even making a Halloween costume out of newspaper and decorating his door to resemble a fireplace. Cliff became a father with the birth of Michael Shane Bonnell on July 23, 1960. Donna Jean followed on April 9, 1962, and Carla Jane on June 26, 1964. Cliff and Wanda purchased the farm that became Bonnell’s Blueberries in 1974 that is still operated by his family today. It was during this time that Cliff’s creative building talents really shone. He built many time-and labor-saving devices to improve production and efficiency, including a packing table to fill pints with blueberries, wheeled carts designed to stack berry boxes, and irrigation equipment. His children state that Cliff could build anything! Cliff was a member of North Judson United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School and led the Youth Group along with Wanda. He was an avid bowler and a member of a bowling league. Cliff loved playing euchre with friends and family. Cliff was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Paul, and sisters Faith and Mary Jane. Cliff leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Wanda, and children Michael (Tracy) Bonnell, Donna (Rowdy) McKee, and Carla (Greg) Godby. Cliff was a loving grandfather to Brittney (Matt) Murphy, Kelsie (Brantley) Purcell, Hannah Godby, and Jade Irish. Five great-grandchildren complete Cliff’s legacy. His memory is also cherished by his sisters, Peggy (Dale) Shidler and Cathy (Kevin) Farmer. In honor of Cliff’s love of reading, memorial donations may be directed to the North Judson Wayne Township Public Library. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 7, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Central Time, at O’Donnell Funeral Home in North Judson, Indiana. Gathering for the graveside service will be Monday, August 8, at Family & Friends Funeral Home in Wingate, Indiana, at 10:30 a.m. Central Time (11:30 a.m. Eastern Time) with procession to Meharry Cemetery to follow.

Clifford Eugene Bonnell

June 16, 1937 - August 3, 2022