May 7, 1934 – May 3, 2013

Melvin Ray Bonner, 78, of Crescent, OR, died May 3, 2013.

No services will be held, per Mel’s request.

Mel was born May 7, 1934, in Jones County, Mississippi, to Leo and Irene (Whatley) Bonner.

He served in the U.S. Navy as a cook from 1953 to 1957, and was honorably discharged.

Mel married Georgia Landolt on September 10, 1955, in Los Angeles, CA.

They made their home in Crescent in 1957. He worked at the local sawmill in Gilchrist until his retirement in 1996.

He was a volunteer fireman in the early 70’s for Crescent, OR. He served as the Fire Chief, and was instrumental in having a new fire station constructed with donated supplies and labor. This is still the site for the current fire station. Mel served two terms on the Crescent Rural Fire Department Board of Directors when he retired from active duty. He also served as the Union President for a time for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America while he was employed at the Gilchrist sawmill. He and his wife built, owned and operated the Crescent RV Park in 1993. He retired from his business in 2006 when the park was sold.

Mel dearly loved life and enjoyed fishing, boating, hunting, gardening and adventures in their RV over the years. He loved his family and yearly gatherings with his siblings. He worked hard and lived every minute like it might be his last.

Survivors include his loving wife Georgia of Crescent, OR; daughters Teresa (Dan) Harshbarger of La Pine, OR, and Lula Brown of Winston, OR; son David (Deanna) Bonner of Crescent, OR; grandchildren Joe and Brian Ortis, Jeremiah and Megan Harshbarger, and Nick Bonner; siblings Ella McCaul of Oregon, Roy, Calvin and Charles Bonner of Washington State, and Earlene Churchwell of Mississippi.

He was preceded in death by his son Melvin Todd Bonner; parents Leo and Irene; siblings Harold, Sandra, Gebra and James.

Our family wishes to thank Heart ‘n Home Hospice and Palliative Care in La Pine.

Baird Memorial Chapel of La Pine was honored to serve the family; (541) 536-5104; www.bairdmortuaries.com.