Richard Lloyd Bonawitt

Richard Lloyd Bonawitt peacefully fell asleep in death at the age of 76 on Sunday, May 18, 2014. He was born to Lloyd and Angeline (Bafija) Bonawitt in Toledo, Ohio on June 9, 1937. Richard played classical piano, trombone, sousaphone and tuba, and was the drum major in the marching band at Woodward High School from which he graduated in 1955. He loved classical music and played in Music Under the Stars at the Toledo Zoo every Sunday evening for many years. He was the owner of National Auto Dealers Service (NADS) which processed automobile warranty claims. He married Linda Okuley in 1977 and they shared their faith as Jehovahs Witnesses. Together they were active in their local congregation. He loved Gods Word, was an avid Bible reader and acquired a deep understanding of the Scriptures. Serving as an Elder for many years, he enjoyed teaching and gave many public discourses. He is survived by his wife Linda (Okuley) Bonawitt; six children from his previous marriage to Mary (Bonawitt) Coker, Cindy DiLorenzo, Rebecca (Andrew) Britton, Daniel Bonawitt, Lori (Charles) Cinkowski, Richard (Terri) Bonawitt, Kimberly (Edward) Zaracki, and Glen (Okuley) Bonawitt; 24 Grandchildren and 20 Great Grandchildren. He was a very knowledgeable man, proficient in a wide range of fields including history, science and home construction. If anything needed to be done, he would figure out how to do it. He knew drafting, concrete work, electrical, plumbing, roofing and auto repair. He loved woodworking, gardening, bird-watching, astronomy, biology and so much more. Wonderful memories were made camping in the Smoky Mountains, Hocking Hills, and various National Parks. Yellowstone was his favorite. There will be a Memorial Service at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovahs Witnesses at 139 Richards Rd., Toledo, Ohio, Thursday May 22 at 2:00pm. Family and friends may visit at 1:00pm. The family wishes to express deep gratitude for the love, kindness and expertise shown by all aides, nurses and staff at Hospice. In lieu of cut flowers the family would appreciate perennials to enjoy in memory of Richard for many years to come. Also, donations can be made to Jehovahs Witnesses or Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Online expressions of sympathy can be made at toledocremation.com.