Larry J Bonner's Obituary
Larry J. Bonner was born in Aliquippa, PA on October 17, 1948 to Mozell Bonner and Blossie Mae Whitehead. He was their only child who grew to become a town star. Larry attended Hopewell High School where he became the first Black Homecoming King in Beaver County. He also excelled in track and football. He was the all-star running back for the Hopewell Vikings in 1966 and 1967 and graduated in 1968 with a football scholarship to Wenatchee Junior College in Washington State. Larry returned to Washington in 1995 where he met and became a friend to Lynda Thomas. She provided housing and care for him on and off over the years. Larry loved attending church at Allen A.M.E. on Martin Luther King Jr. Way. He knew he would receive a good sermon, great music and, most importantly, great food at his church home. Larry became an icon on the streets of Tacoma. He was known for his quick wit, sense of humor, special language, and huge appetite. He was also known for his flair in dressing, something he always had as he was voted “Best Dressed” in high school. Larry will truly be missed by all who knew him as the kind, compassionate, and loving man he was. Larry is survived by his daughter Shybarbara Gant, of Ambridge, PA, grandchildren Shayla, David, Joshua, Adam “Michael”, and Mark and great-grandchildren Veni, Ciana, Raymond, Kimere, Jayceon, and Jayla, cousin Janice Kelley of Cincinnati, OH, as well as best friends Howard “Juney” Tyson and Lynda Thomas.
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