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Note: N8 Gordon Bonnet, Sr. volunteered for the Marine Corps on his 18th birthday and served basic training at Camp Beauregard, Louisiana, from July 21 to August 19, 1937. He served aboard the U.S.S. Mississippi during World War II, rising to the rank of Corporal in February of 1942 and to Sergeant in July of the same year. After the end of the war, he became a Master Sergeant in December of 1946.
He was temporarily raised to the rank of First Lieutenant as a field commission during the Korean Conflict. He was given the rank of Sergeant Major in February of 1958, a rank he held until his retirement in 1967.
During his service in the military, Sergeant Major Bonnet was the recipient of eight Good Conduct Medals, a Meritorious Mast Award, and served as a drill judge at the West Virginia University’s School of Military Science. He won awards in swimming and marksmanship. He had several overseas assignments, including Japan (1948-1950), Korea (1951-1953), and Iceland (1961-1962). His record is filled with praise for his service to his country.
In private life, he was a gardener, fisherman, and carpenter; he was known for his love of the outdoors, dogs, and classical music. During retirement he grew show-quality tea roses, and people frequently drove past his house, on the south side of Lafayette, Louisiana, just to take a look at his gardens. He was a rockhound and an accomplished jewelry maker, and was known by many for his artistry, craftsmanship, and skill.
Gordon Bonnet was a man of honesty, integrity, and a quick (and wry) sense of humor. His death at age 84 in July of 2004, after a brief illness, was mourned by many -- friends, neighbors, and family. He was also my father -- and I shall truly miss him.
Obituary:
July 5, 2004 LAFAYETTE: Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 6, 2004, at a Mass of Christian Burial in the St. Pius X Catholic Church for Gordon P. Bonnet, Sr., 84, who died Sunday, July 4, 2004, in Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center.
Interment will be in the Calvary Cemetery.
The Rev. Monsignor Richard von Phul Mouton, pastor of St. Pius X Catholic Church, will be the celebrant of the funeral Mass and will conduct the services.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Marguerite Ayo Bonnet, of Lafayette; one son, Gordon P. Bonnet Jr. and his wife, Carol, of Trumansburg, N.Y.; and two grandsons, Lucas and Nathan Bonnet. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Joseph and Bertha Viola Scott Bonnet; one daughter, Mary Margaret Bonnet; and one brother, Raymond Bonnet.
A native and resident of Lafayette since 1967, Mr. Bonnet was a retired staff sergeant with the U.S. Marine Corps having served during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was also retired from the U.S. Postal Service as a carrier.
Mr. Bonnet attended Cathedral Carmel School and was a graduate of Lafayette High School.
A rosary will be prayed this evening in the Martin & Castille Funeral Home.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. until time of services Tuesday.
Memorial contributions in Mr. Bonnet’s name may be made to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston St., Suite 200, Lafayette, LA 70503 or to the St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Attn: Memorial Dept. or to the Alzheimer’s Services of Acadiana, 128 Demanade Blvd., Bldg. 4, Suite 109, Lafayette, LA 70503.
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