ONAGA – Merle Bonjour, 87, of Onaga, passed away Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at his home.  He had been taking treatments for lung cancer.

He was born November 1, 1934 at Neuchatel, the son of Leonard and Alice Hammerly Bonjour.

Merle had worked on a bridge gang for the Union Pacific Railroad from 1953 to 1957.  He served in the U.S. Army from April 1957 to April 1959.  After being discharged from the Army he worked a short time for the railroad, and then joined his brother Lawrence farming and raising hogs.

He had served as a board member for the Neuchatel Cemetery for thirty years.  He was a member of the Onaga American Legion and the Kansas Prairie Pickers Association.  He and his brother Lawrence 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 Bertha M. Nicewander in 1977.  She preceded him in death on January 31, 2004.

Merle was also preceded by his parents, his sister, Lydia Larimore, two step-sons, Steve Bonjour and Mark Bonjour, and two step-grandsons, Brian Bonjour and Scott Bonjour.

Survivors include his brother, Lawrence Bonjour, Onaga, a step-son, Roger Bonjour (Beth), Ft. Worth, TX, a step-daughter-in-law, Judy Bonjour, Manhattan, a granddaughter, Jessica Figge (Therron), Centralia, a great grandson, Dylan Figge, three step-grandchildren, Steve, Allison and Ashley, five step-great grandchildren and a nephew, Steve Larimore (Linda), Salem, Missouri.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 19 ^th at the First Congregational Church, UCC in Onaga.  Burial with military honors will follow in the Neuchatel Cemetery.  Merle will lie in state after noon on Sunday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga, where a Prayer Service will be held at 6:00 p.m., followed by visitation until 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.

For Merle, at 5 O'Clock, it was time for "ice in the glass".