Obituary of Robert Coy Bonner

Robert Coy Bonner, Jr. June 16, 1925 - August 20, 2010 Robert Coy Bonner, Jr. of Pebble Beach, passed away on Friday, August 20, 2010. He was born in Pensacola, Florida on June 16, 1925 to Robert Coy Bonner and Ora Lee Sellers Bonner. Soon the family moved to Daytona Beach and later to Jacksonville, Florida, where he spent his high school years. After service in the U.S. Army Air Corps, 1943-1946, Bob attended the University of Florida where he met Sarah Lane. They were married in December of 1948. After college they moved to Miami, Florida, Sarah's childhood home, where he was a Co- Founder of Guardian Title Company, 1956-1976. He also worked with Grant Stockdale and Associates, a real estate investment company. He served as a director of Culligan Water Company for many years. Bob was the President of Wenwest, Inc. after the family moved to California to start a Wendy's franchise in 1976. While in Florida he was a member of the Rotary Club of Greater Miami, Florida, The Executives Association of Miami, served on the Board of Directors of the Riviera Country Club of Coral Gables, Florida, the Rod and Reel Club of Miami, and the University Club of Miami. In California he continued his community participation serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Carmel Bach Festival, Board of Directors of Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula where he chaired the Development Council. He was a member of The Church of the Wayfarer, Carmel, CA. Bob enjoyed his membership at Cypress Point Club, Monterey Peninsula Country Club and Old Capitol Club. He had many long lasting friendships and was congenial with all ages. Bob's enjoyment of golf was ongoing and his love of fly fishing both in Florida and California, plus an intense interest in all sports, provided him with pleasures that included the entire family. Both his study of Jazz and his enjoyment of all music were an inspiration for his children and grandchildren over the years. Family activities were his priority. He and Sarah loved traveling and explored all the 50 states, as well as, most of Europe. He charmed everyone he met everywhere! Bob and his wife, Sarah, shared 61 precious years together. He is also survived by his loving family; son, Robert Coy Bonner III and his wife Cindy, of Charlotte, NC, daughter, Lane Bonner Dowlen and her husband Gene of Pebble Beach and, son, Clifton Bennett Bonner, of Chicago, IL. His grandchildren are Matthew Dowlen, of Oakland, CA, Evans Marie Dowlen Hood and her husband Mike, of San Francisco, Robert Clifton Bonner and his wife Brigetta, Bryan Manning Bonner and, David William Bonner of Charlotte, NC. His great grandson, Robert Clifton Bonner, Jr., will have a sister soon. Preceding him in death were his parents Robert Coy Bonner and Ora Lee Sellers Bonner, and a sister, Dorothy Bonner Roche. A Memorial Service will be held at The Church in the Forest, 3152 Forest Lake Road, at 2:30 P.M. on Sunday, August 29th with The Rev. Charles Anker officiating. A celebration of his life, sharing cherished memories, will be held after the service at Casa Abrego, 592 Abrego Street, Monterey. Private burial, arranged by Mission Mortuary, will be held prior to the service.