Obituaries

On February 8, 2025, at age 89, Gene peacefully went home and entered the arms of the Lord. A man of integrity, steadfast faith, and unwavering love for his family and community, he leaves behind a legacy that will endure for generations. Born in Port Lavaca, Texas, on September 1st, 1935, to Arthur and Ella Bonorden, Gene was the sixth of seven siblings. Growing up on a working dairy farm, his parents taught him the importance of faith, family, and hard work. Gene graduated from Calhoun ISD in 1954, and he married Judy Vela in 1957. He graduated from Texas Lutheran College where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Afterwards, he earned his Masters in Education at Texas A&M University. In 1960, Gene began his career in education at Hearne ISD where he taught upper-level math and coached multiple sports. He was affectionately known as “Mr. B.” As a teacher, Gene dedicated 30 years of his life shaping the minds and hearts of his students. His love for learning and teaching others made him an unforgettable mentor in the lives of all who sat in his classroom. “What do you mean you don’t know?” was his famous quote. Beyond his work in the classroom, Gene was also a rancher who began the legacy of The Lazy Snorten Ranch in 1960. For 65 years, his lifelong passion for ranching allowed him to instill the values of growing and running a ranch to his children and grandchildren. His work on the ranch was not just a job to him, it was a calling. Gene’s ranch is a testament to his hard work and dedication to building something that will last forever. When he wasn’t working on the ranch, Gene enjoyed many hobbies that enriched his life. He had a love for flying airplanes, fishing, trains, biking, coaching, horseback riding and more. We will always remember him for his model railroads and the joy he found watching trains go by. With his love to travel, whether it was a road trip with his family or a long journey to aid in spreading the gospel while serving those in need, he approached each new adventure with an enthusiastic heart. Above all, Gene was a devoted Christian who lived a life of steadfast faith. Through every challenge, triumph, and blessing, his faith remained loyal to the Lord. His love for the Lord formed a solid foundation for his family. As Gene always said, “ As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” - Joshua 24:15. For several decades, he was a member and served as an elder of the Gause Full Gospel Church, now known as Wellspring Community Church. He served on many missions trips in remote areas around the world where he built orphanages and churches. His commitment to Jesus inspired his children and generations of the Bonorden family. As a father, grandfather, and leader, Gene set an influential example on how to live a Godly life to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Gene is survived by the love of his life, Judy Williams, his loving children, Gene Bonorden, Jr., Theresa Biancardi (Paul), Kathy Sparks (Marlon), Suzanne Gremillion (Doug), and Andrew Bonorden (LaDonna), Amy Ruiz (Adam). His cherished grandchildren Cody Sparks (Erin), Whitney King (Robert), Seth Sparks, Daniel Broome (Kat), Danielle Turner (Austin), April Bonorden, Andre’ Bonorden, Lexie Gremillion, Austin Gremillion, Allison Matthews (Josh), Nick Bonorden (Saroya), Katerina Biancardi, and Alyssa Biancardi. His great grandchildren, Iris Bonorden, Sage and Pacer Turner, Evalan and Adalyn Matthews, Reagan and Liam King, Conway Sparks, Bodacious Broome, and Carson Bonorden. He is survived by his sister Rosie Bonorden McDermit, and sisters-in-law Dee Bonorden, Robbie Bonorden, and Hallie Bonorden. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings Arthur Bonorden, Iris Lynn Patterson, Ruth Ann Robinson, Thomas Bonorden, and Henry Bonorden, who he is now reunited with in the presence of the Lord. “Well done my good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:21