Jerry Bonnell

Jerry Jay Bonnell went home to be with Jesus on December 26, 2022 at the age of 68.

Jerry was born to Robert and Joyce Bonnell on February 15, 1954 in Livingston, MT. Jerry grew up in Clyde Park, MT and became quite the basketball player in high school. After graduating high school Jerry moved to Helena, MT where he attended diesel mechanic school.

Jerry had two children Rob Bonnell and Carrie Mangun. He worked as a coal miner for 7 years before moving to Tennessee to attend Seminary school. Jerry was a Southern Baptist preacher for 32 years. There were many years where he wasn’t preaching in a church, but was spreading the word of God while working at the coal mine and being a contractor in Colstrip, MT. It is there that Jerry was able to work side by side with his son Rob and son in law Darris to share his knowledge of building with them.

In addition to being a hard working man, Jerry had a larger than life personality and would make people laugh and become friends with everyone he met. Jerry loved his cars and would always say “I may not be speeding, but I’m passing a lot of people who are.” Throughout Jerry’s life, he witnessed to countless people and enjoyed his time as a pastor.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Joyce Bonnell, and his brother Ray Bonnell. Jerry is survived by his son Rob (Jami) Bonnell and grandson Logan (Kailyn) Bonnell and great granddaughter Kooper and granddaughter Kassie (Abel) James, his daughter Carrie (Darris) Mangun and grandsons Kammeron and Trayse Mangun and granddaughters Kaitlyn, Ashton, and Allexis Mangun, Sister Judy (Rich) Inman and numerous nieces.

His favorite verse was Philippians 4:13