ONAGA – Lawrence Bonjour, 94, of Onaga, passed away Saturday, December 21, 2024 at his home with family by his side, where he had lived for 91 years.

He was born June 19, 1930 at Havensville, the son of Leonard and Alice Hammerly Bonjour.

After the 8th Grade, Lawrence worked for neighbors on the farm and worked for his uncle Barker, wiring houses.  He also painted for his brother-in-law, Russell Larimore.  He entered the U.S. Marine Corps when he was 21 and served from 1951 to 1953.  While he was in the marines, in the middle of the ocean, he decided when he got home he was going to farm.  The second year after being home he bought two bred sows, that began his hog operation.

He had served as a board member for the Neuchatel Cemetery for many years.  He was a member of the Onaga American Legion and the Kansas Prairie Pickers Association.  He and his brother Merle loved bluegrass music and had played together for 70 years.  They volunteered many hours of their time and talent at area nursing homes and other venues.

He married Joyce Berry in 1976.  They were later divorced.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Lydia Larimore, and his brother, Merle Bonjour.

Survivors include a granddaughter, Jessica Figge (Therron), Centralia, and great grandson, Dylan Figge, a nephew, Steve Larimore (Linda), Salem, MO, two step-grandchildren, Derek Berry and Shawna Rohr, and five step-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 28th at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga.  Burial with military honors will follow in the Neuchatel Cemetery.  Lawrence will lie in state after noon on Friday at the funeral home, where a visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.  Memorials are suggested to the Neuchatel Cemetery and may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 280, Onaga, KS  66521.

Somewhere In Heaven

The sound of Bluegrass music and the taste of Kentucky Tavern bourbon…the Bonjour Brothers have reunited again.