Life Ref[ections Edmund Charles Bonner, Sr. was called home to be with the FATHER, during the morning hours of January 15, 2006. His final days had been spent in the diligent care of his wife, Edna Bonner and the professional medical staff of the Norwood Retirement Community. Edmund was born the 8•h child into the devoutly Christian family of Joe and Janie (nee Thompson) Bonner, on December 8, 1913 in rural Roopville, Georgia. There would eventually be 10 children before the entire family left for Cincinnati, Ohio in 1916. ln Cincinnati, the family settled in the Syracuse st. IWashington Terrace, Kerper Avenue neighborhood of Walnut Hills. Edmund's Christian upbringing flourished, along with his siblings at the nearby People's Missionary Baptist Church, on Kerper Avenue. There the five youngest children, Grace, Edmund, Gladys, lrma and Joe, Jr., regularly sang together for religious events. They became so well-known that 'The Bonner Quintet was often invited to give recitals at other churches. Meanwhile, young Edmund and his siblings attended Douglass School through the 9•h grade, before moving onto Withrow High School. ln 1933, although they were not University of Cincinnati students themselves, Edmund and Gladys Bonner were recruited to perform in a campus musical comedy, written and produced by neighbor and UC student, Donald Spencer. jIfrican jImericans were not allowed. to perform in the University's a[['White annual' variety show, in those aays. Just days before his passing, Edmund amazed his wife, a nurse and a visiting mend by recalling that performance, and then singing all the words to the title song, 'Who'a a 7'hot It'. ln the early 1930's, Edmund and the rest of the Bonner Quintet joined the Community Inspirational Gospel Choir, which was led by his sister Grace. The choir was the first choral group to join the new Cincinnati Choral Union, which stiff exists today, founded by Grace Bonner in 1934. Edmund married Edna Creek on October 24, 1936. Even though Edmund was in the hospital for a short stay in October of 2005, he still sent his beloved wife a signed card to celebrate their 69th anniversary of marriage. Edmund and Edna's only child, Edmund Jr. was born in October, 1939. During their early marriage, the Bonners worked as a domestic couple in several wealthy, suburban homes, but that wasn't for long. Shortly after WW11 began in 1941, Edmund secured a better paying job at the Wright Aeronautical Defense Plant. Meanwhile, he had also tested to become a Cincinnati Police Officer, and in 1942, was notified to join that department. His law enforcement career lasted 25 years until his retirement in the late 1960' s. Edmund joined st. John Masonic lodge in 1948. There he was a committed member of the Order and in 1995, received its' 'Outstanding Member' award. During the 1950' s while still a police officer, Edmund's entrepreneurial side also blossomed. Among his business ventures was a taxicab c Olnp any, headquartered in Mt. Auburn and an Orange Bar on linn st. in the West End. Even after full retirement in the late 1980's, Edmund remained very active in his church and his community, while still looking after his wife. He was also willing to embrace 'new' knowledge. At age 87, he bought and learned to use a computer. He needed one, he said, for emailing his son, other relatives and friends who lived out of town. Edmund also enjoyed surfing various websites on the internet. All who knew him recall Edmund's friendly, jovial personality and quick wit. Decades before today's rhyming young rappers, he often demonstrated his mental and verbal dexterity by rhyming his side of conversations with family members and friends. A life-long Christian, Edmund joined St. James A.M.E. Church in the 1940's under the leadership of Rev. Nina Robinson. There he served with diligence and faithfulness in numerous capacities. That service included many years singing in the baritone section of the church choir. He also served as Trustee Board Chairman for 52 years. A retirement dinner was held for him in October 2004 when he stepped down from that post. Grieving the passing of Edmund are his wife, Edna Bonner of Cincinnati, OH; son, Edmund C. Bonner, Jr. of Reno, NV; nieces, lrma Jean Elie and Pat Anderson of Cincinnati, OH, Deborah Creek of Washington, DC; nephews, Harvey Boston of Cincinnati, OH; Larry Foster of lithonia, GA, Richard Bonner of Los Angeles, CA, Harry Bonner of New York, NY, Charles Bonner of California; and a host of other loving relatives, Masonic brethren and friends. The Order of Service Organ Prelude Sis, Grace D anie ls Parting View . Prayer of Comfort Clergy Scripture Clergy Old Testament Netu 'Testament Psalms 23 Corinthian 15:50-59 Musical Selection .Sis. Sharon Lanton Acknowledgements Sis, Aretha Abrams Remarks (1 minute please} Visiting Clergy, Family and Friends Musical Selection Sis, Debra Bonner Eulogy Pastor Eleanor B. Wilson Benediction , Pastor Eleanor B. Wilson I am tlie resurrection, ami tlie Cife: lie that 6eCievetii in me, tliougli lie were dead, yet siiaCC lie Iioe: ,;Inti wliosoever Eivetli anti 6eCievetii in me sliaff never die. Jolin 11:25-26

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