Joe Bonham

Velta Joe Bonham was born December 6, 1938, in Dougherty, Oklahoma near Rock Creek where the Lake of the Arbuckles now sits. He was the son of Leo Marvin Bonham and Pearlie Mae Atchley Bonham.

Joe graduated from Dougherty School in 1957, where he was a standout athlete, especially on the basketball court. Lightning fast, confident, and remarkably talented, he once scored 46 points in a single game.

In 1960, he hired out with the Santa Fe Railroad in Belen, New Mexico. That began a lifelong career that would span four decades. He advanced from fireman to brakeman and eventually to engineer. This was his proudest role. Joe memorized the Santa Fe Rule Book, and manuals and was able to recite them with total accuracy.

Joe also served in the Army National Guard, carrying with him a sense of duty and personal discipline.

He married Patty Kay Pinkston at Dougherty Baptist Church in 1960. Their lasting legacy is found in their two daughters and continues with a growing family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Joe could be reserved but he was often humorous, delighting in corny jokes and unexpected wit. He had a keen memory and was full of wisdom and stories drawn from a life well lived. Though not one to speak openly about emotions, he showed his character by quietly performing acts of charity and generosity for those in need, often without telling a soul.

Joe passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, with his daughters attending to him through his final days. He was resilient, tough, caring and generous. He died with the same grit and endurance that shaped the way he lived.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Pearlie Mae Bonham; two brothers, Vernon Bonham and Gene Bonham; his sister, Rhoda Pack and husband John; and three sisters in law; Joyce Bonham, Louann Bonham, and Kathy Bonham.

He is survived by his wife, Patty Bonham of Dougherty, OK; his two daughters, Beth Bonham Phillips (Lee) of Las Vegas, NV, Amy Bonham Young (Chris) of Bella Vista, AR; his grandchildren; Emily Young Fuentes (Andre) of Bentonville, AR, Sarah Wiggins (Jacob) of Fayetteville, AR, Tim Walters (Billie) of Blanchard, OK, Joseph Pulliam of Las Vegas, NV, Hannah Jane Walters of Sulphur, OK, Tristan and Ava Walters of Blanchard, OK; his brother, Bobby Bonham; many beloved nieces and nephews; and a host of great-nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 6:00 PM on Friday, May 30 at Hale's Funeral Home in Davis, Oklahoma. A service to celebrate his life will follow at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 31 at Midway Hill Baptist Church, 5359 State Highway 7, Sulphur, OK 73086.