Bobby Bonner

Bobby Joe Bonner, 93, long time Midland resident, passed away February 12, 2021.  Private family graveside service will be held next week.

Bobby was born in Wewoka, Oklahoma on August 14, 1927. His father Bill Bonner was an oilfield driller, so the family moved constantly chasing the next oil boom.

In 1940, with no oilfield work in Oklahoma the family moved to Bakersfield, California. The

Bonner’s lived the “Grapes of Wrath”. They had all their possessions in the car with a mattress tied to the roof.  After graduating from Bakersfield High in 1945 Bobby joined the U.S. Navy at the conclusion of World War II.  After the war the family moved to Odessa. Using the G. I. Bill, he enrolled at Texas Tech. After two years he transferred to Oklahoma University to pursue a degree in petroleum engineering.

Bobby met Wanda Florence in 1955. They married in 1956 and moved to Midland.

Bobby worked as a certified petroleum engineer for over fifty years. He was competent in all aspects of the oilfield. He could drill, complete, frac and put oil in the tanks.

In retirement he and Wanda traveled to Europe many times. He was a serious student of European history. His other retirement interest was the stock market. He was an active investor until his death.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Gladys Bonner, his wife of 49 years Wanda Bonner, brother Bill Bonner and daughter Robbie Jo Bonner.  He is survived by son Lee Florence and daughter Karen Olsen. He has two grandchildren, Nicole Olsen and Christopher Olsen. He also leaves one great grandson.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.