Richard, known as Bud, was born May 13, 1938 at St. Patrick’s Hospital, Lake Charles, LA., the second son born to Dr. Mitchell and Mary Blackwell Bono.
He graduated from Lake Charles High School in 1956 and just celebrated his 57th class reunion. Bud earned his Bachelor’s Degree from McNeese State University, , Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from Loyola University in New Orleans, LA. After graduating from dental school he served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, CA and Atsugi, Japan. He served as a navy dentist attached to the Marine Air wing and was eventually sent to De Nag, Vietnam where he was attached to the helicopter squadron and received the Merit of Valor Award. After active duty he served in the U.S. Navy Reserve as Lieutenant Commander.
A two-time valuable golfer for the Cowboys in the 1950’s, Bono led McNeese during collegiate golf’s infancy. He was a three-year letterman and played on McNeese’s first two Gulf States Conference championship teams. He received the first golf scholarship at McNeese. He was known as one of the top amateur golfers in Southwest Louisiana. He was inducted in the McNeese Golf Hall of Fame in 2005.
He served on the board as President of the Lake Charles Country Club and was also a club champion.
His professional life began in Lake Charles after returning from the military. Following in his dad’s footsteps, he practiced dentistry with his father, Dr. Mitchell Bono, for approximately 15 years. He started his own practice for twenty-seven years before retiring in 1994. Currently owner of Bayou Fire & Safety Services.
Bud was a devoted father and grandfather, a wonderful husband and most of all a devote Christian. Bud never met a stranger. He was the kind of person that once you met him, you knew you had a friend for life.
He was a member of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 3rd Degree member of Knight of Columbus, and active with ACTS.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Mitchell and Mary Blackwell Bono. He is survived by his wife, Frankie Diane Toce Bono, two daughters Christiane Perkins, Jennifer Lyn and husband Charles Karam, stepdaughter Rhonda and husband John Montou, stepson Keith and wife Wendy Woodard; brother Mike and wife Marion Bono; grandchildren, Ana-claire Perkins, Gabrielle and Meredith Karam, Jennifer and Eric Montou, Celeste and Luke Woodard; two nephews, Rick Bono and Mike and wife Lisa Bono.
Bud’s funeral Mass will be Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 11AM, in St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home. Father Keith Pellerin will officiate. Interment will follow at Consolata Cemetery. Visitation Friday, will be from 4:00PM until 8:00PM with Rosary and celebration of life at 6:00PM. In lieu of flowers family request donations be made to McNeese Golf Team or A.C.T.S Retreat Scholarship Fund.
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