Robert Lee Bonnette

Bob departed this life on Sunday, June 20, 2021 at the Assisted Living Community Sunrise of Silver Spring. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by nine siblings; Leroy Pugh, Janie Justice, Ruby Samuels, James Bonnette, Ruth Bonnette, Lou Henry Brown, Maudelle Reaves, and Marjorie and Paul Bonnette .

Bob moved to Washington, DC in 1945 with his family. He was educated in the public schools of Washington, DC and graduated from McKinley Technical High School in 1957. After graduating from High School Bob enlisted in the U. S. Coast Guard. His official title was Subsistence Specialist which he did for a number of years on ships and in the Mess Hall on Governor's Island, New York, but his most enjoyable assignments were recruiting for the Coast Guard and Teaching at the Recruiting Training School on Governor's Island.

A few years into his Service career Bob met and married the love of his life Phyllis on October 31, 1970 in Washington, DC. They very happily accepted the challenge of raising three children; Dwayne, Lori and Robert, Jr. Bob was very involved in the activities of his children as much as he could be, from infancy to helping to coach Little League for the boys and transporting his daughter to and from band practices and recitals. He was also very active in the Middle School and High School PTAs.

Bob was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard National Association of Former Stewards and Stewardmates, Inc. from very early in its existence until his passing. This organization of Coast Guard men, women and their spouses/guests did meet yearly to commemorate their Service to the Coast Guard and reconnect with each other in a special program with honored speakers.

Bob retired from the Coast Guard in 1991 after thirty-three plus years of Service, but he was not ready to retire completely. He obtained a position with the Smithsonian Institute in downtown Washington, DC. as their Lost and Found Officer for almost ten years.

After years of disconnect, Bob united with his High School classmates and became a part of the Reunion Planning Committee for his graduating class. He and Phyllis attended many outstanding and fun-filled weekends every two years with the McKinley Techites at Solomons Island, MD until Bob's health became more challe111nging. However, he remained an Honorary Committee Member until his passing.

Bob and Family worshipped for many years at Ryland Epworth United Methodist Church, he was very active in the ministry of the church filling in where needed i.e. Chef, Lay Member to the Annual Conference, Trustee Board and serving on various committees

Bob was a hard working man who gave his full dedication to any project he encountered. He loved to plant flowers and watch them grow to beautify his yards during the spring and summer seasons. He was devoted to his family and friends, and his faith in God was unwavering.

In the Fall of 2003 Bob was diagnosed with Parkinsons and Dementia. He managed this challenge until he needed more care, at which time he joined the Sunrise of Silver Spring Community. He was under their care for a number of years, and the love and support Bob and the family received from this Community was very special. Our Family is forever grateful to this wonderful team of Caregivers who created for him a home away from home in every sense of the word until he left to go to his Heavenly Home.

Left to cherish loving memories are his wife Phyllis Bonnette of Fifty years, three children; Dwayne Bonnette (Tess Thea), Lori Bonnette, and Bob Bonnette, Jr.; granddaughters Lauren Pate (Micah), Chelsea Bonnette, and Dahlia Bonnette; grandsons James Bonnette and Miles Bonnette; great granddaughter Lillian Thomas; great grandsons Chase Wood and Jaymee Bonnette; one Brother Herbert Bonnette (Joyce , deceased); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.