Roll Call Tribute

Charles Joseph Bonnot
February 26, 1929 - August 26, 2022

Charles Joseph Bonnot, JoJo, age 93, of LaWard, Texas passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on August 26, 2022. Joe was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and Brother in Christ. JoJo’s Celebration of Life Service will be held on August 30, 2022 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Edna, with Brother Robert Krause officiating. Interment will be held at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Edna.

Joe was born in Edna, Texas on February 26, 1929 to the late Carlos Corothers Bonnot and Eva Jane Sewell Bonnot. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry from Texas A&M College (TAMC) in 1950. Following graduation, he married his beloved sweetheart, Johna Margaret Rafferty Bonnot, on March 3, 1951.

Joe was commissioned into the United States Army upon his graduation from TAMC. He served in the Korean War from 1951-1953. He was honorably discharged from the Army as a Major in 1965, after being Company Commander of the National Guard Unit stationed in Edna.

For many years, Joe was a vital member of the First Baptist Church of Edna. He served the Lord as a deacon, Deacon Emeritus, and Sunday School teacher. He and Johna had a heart for missions and were instrumental in helping to charter the Edna Mexican Baptist Mission. They were avid supporters of the South Texas Children’s home, hosting several children during summer breaks. One of them, Charlie Smith, who preceded Joe in death, received an extra measure of love and support from Joe and Johna.

In addition to his love of serving the Lord, Joe thrived on being the fourth generation of the family U (up) U (down) ranch in LaWard. During his lifetime, he gauged oil wells, was Executive Director of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, and worked for Tide Chemical Company, all while running a commercial cow-calf operation. He raised registered Simbrah cattle and was a successful rice farmer. One of his greatest legacies was being a steward of the land and making many improvements to benefit future generations of his family. Joe loved being on the ranch.

Joe was active in the community as a member of the Industrial Lion’s Club, Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Jackson County Cattle Raisers Association, American Rice Inc., Jackson County A&M Club, Texas A&M University Twelfth Man Foundation, a former board member of the Lavaca Navidad River Authority and a supporter of the Jackson County Youth Fair.

Joe is survived by his three children: Carlos Bonnot and wife Wanda of Wharton, Jayme Bonnot Bickings and husband John of LaWard, Joe Lynn Bonnot and wife Sharon of Ganado, Son-in-Law David Winkler of Meridian. Joe is also survived by his brother Weldon Branch Bonnot and wife Charlotte of Edna, 13 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks for the loving care given to Joe by his caregivers: Nancy Sherman, Mary Moreno, Clara Menefee, Mary & Jesse Ballin, Theresa Hudgins, Ruby Sanchez, Rebecca Gutierrez, and Carlos Lopez.

Johna, Joe’s wife of 67 years, precedes him in death. Daughter Margaret Bonnot Winkler, brothers Carlos Durand Bonnot and Harold Wayne Bonnot also precede him in death.

Pallbearers are grandsons: Shane Bonnot, Joby Bonnot, Clayton Bonnot, Christian Bickings, Steven Bickings, Conrad Bickings, Justin Bonnot, Jacob Bonnot, Jonathan Winkler and Joe Barrett Winkler.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:
First Baptist Church of Edna (PO Box 417, Edna, TX 77957)
South Texas Children’s Home (9243 FM 1465, Pettus, TX 78146 or online www.stchm.org) 

Arrangements are under the direction of Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna. 361-782-2221.

www.oaklawnfhednatx.com