Jayque "Jay" Bonham, 76, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2015, at his home in Topeka, KS.
Jay was born January 25, 1939, in Sulphur, OK, to Samuel and Ella "Peggy" (Christian) Bonham. He joined the US Navy in 1956 and served as a frogman on the USS Hornet where he also held the Pacific Fleet bantamweight boxing title for three years. After the Navy, Jay worked as a general contractor, professional hunting guide, and a musician in California before coming to Kansas in 1979. He went to work for Perry-Lecompton School District as a general maintenance technician, and from 1979 to 1984, he also played music with the group The Night Train. He developed a passion for the outdoors throughout his life, and could often be found chasing fish, deer, upland birds, coyotes, and the occasional duck. Jay had his first bout with cancer in 2005 – a fight which nearly claimed his life. Fortunately, he was able to overcome it and spend an additional 10 years with friends and family before being called home.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Jay is survived by his loving wife, Mary; son, Sam (Jennifer) Bonham; daughter, Linda Clarey; grandchildren, Cadence and Cheyenne Bonham, and Alyssa and Elaina Clarey; sisters, Charlene, Sue, and Dee; brothers, Ed, Ronnie, and John; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, at Topeka Baptist Church, 4500 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS. Burial will follow at the Mount Hope Cemetery, Topeka, KS. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS.
Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice, Topeka, KS and Topeka Baptist Church, Topeka, KS.
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