Leslie “Les” Ray Bonham, 81, passed away at Stonebrooke Rehabilitation Center and Suites, New Castle, Indiana on August 18, 2017. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on January 28, 1936 to the late Wiley and Elsie Bonham.
Leslie attended Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis, Indiana and was a member of the ROTC and went on to proudly serve in the United States Navy. Leslie was a longtime resident of Grant county. On March 25, 1981 he married Sara (Brake) Bonham, she survives. Leslie was employed with General Motors as a Millwright worker until his retirement in 1993. After retiring from General Motors he worked for a period of time with the Indianapolis Star delivering newspapers and made his way up to route manager.
Leslie loved to work, was a union representative and even had the opportunity to meet President Jimmy Carter. Leslie loved his sports and particularly enjoyed watching the Indianapolis Colts and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. Leslie also liked to watch the New England Patriots especially if Tom Brady was playing. Leslie enjoyed cooking, cleaning, yard work, crossword puzzles, singing, dancing and roller skating. Leslie was a member of several organizations including UAW, FOP, Moose Lodge of Marion, Amvets, American Legion and Eagles.
Leslie is survived by his step-children, Jane Venezia, Ellensburg, Washington; Christina (Mark) Morris, New Castle, Indiana; Andrew (Debra) Venezia, Marion, Indiana; Hazelann (Tom) Yongue, Lafayette, Louisiana; sister, Patricia Kidd, Muncie, Indiana; grandchildren, Michael Venezia, Norman, Oklahoma; Andria Venezia, Cleveland, Ohio; Roman Venezia, Marion, Indiana; Sara Yongue, Breaux Bridge, Louisiana; Ricky Yongue, Lafayette, Louisiana; several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Leslie is also preceded in death by his brother, Charles L. Bonham.
The funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, August 24, 2017 at Owen-Weilert-Duncan Funeral Home, Marion Chapel, 2722 South Washington Street, Marion, Indiana with Rev. Ron Forsythe officiating.
Visitation will be held on Thursday in the funeral home from 11am to 1pm. Burial with military honors will be at 2pm in the Marion National Cemetery, 1700 East 38th Street, Marion, Indiana.