Obituary of Tommy Joe (Tom) Bonnell

Tommy Joe “Tom” Bonnell, 71, of Indianapolis, departed this life Sunday, November 27, 2022.

Tom was born September 18th, 1951 in Winamac, Indiana to the late Sherald L. “Shay” Bonnell and Verla Glenn (Haselby) Bonnell. Tom was a 1969 graduate of Winamac High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Business from Ball State University.  Tom was dedicated to serving his family and his wife of 47 years and 4 months, Sarah Lynn (Hutchens) Bonnell, who proceeded him in death.  Known for his quick, dry wit and sense of humor, Tom was a dedicated and loyal soul who was happiest making memories with his family and friends. He absolutely loved enriching the lives of his grandchildren through his family’s genealogical records, as well as regaling them with stories of yesteryear in Pulaski County. He never passed on an opportunity to visit and share with his children and grandchildren, and appreciated his own quiet moments with family, often times celebrating life with good barbeque and a small glass of Miller High Life.  Tom was a longtime member of the Northern Indiana Power from the Past, Inc., and an avid collector of all things related to antique tractors and farm machinery, including toy antique tractors, and numerous full-size working models that he would often painstakingly restore to their original condition. When there was time to get away, he would make his way with his family to Lake Maxinkuckee or Lake Bass where many memories were made.  

Tom is survived by his devoted sons, Shay (Angie) Bonnell, Domenick (Tiffany) Calabrese, Trent Bonnell and Travis (Jessica) Bonnell; his sister, Charlene (Jim) Planck; nephews Kevin and Corey Planck; nephews Jeff, Kent, and Brad Bonnell; nieces Cristy (Planck) Hankla, and Michelle J. (Bonnell) Grostefon. Tom is also survived by his dedicated grandchildren, Avery, Brady, Bowen and Briggs Calabrese; Audrey, Grant and Aspyn Bonnell; Carter and Connor Bonnell, and Ethan Lamar; a host of dear friends, grateful students, and a score of former employees of The Braun Corporation and Legend Valley Products/O’Brien Manufacturing.

Tom will be honored and remembered as a parent, husband, colleague, and friend.

Visitation will be from 2-4 PM EST Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. 

A Memorial Service will be held at 4 PM EST Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you send memorial contributions to the Community Foundation of Pulaski County, and designate your donation to the Sherald & Verla Bonnell Family Educational Fund. Donations may be made online, and dedicated to and in the name of Tommy J. Bonnell.  The Community Foundation of Pulaski County can be found at the following website: www.cfopc.org

Online condolences available at: www.frainmortuary.com.

Local Arrangements entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.