Wayne Webster Bonner

On August 23, 2025, after over 93 years of service, sacrifice, hard work and family, Wayne Webster Bonner returned to his Heavenly Father and the arms of loved ones who had gone before him. Wayne lived many lives, had many stories, and kept the engine running until there was nothing left in the tank.

Wayne was born on January 17, 1932 in Heber City, UT to Glade and Burnice Webster Bonner. He grew up in Midway, UT with two sisters and four brothers, where he learned the importance of family and the value of hard work. After graduating from Wasatch High School, Wayne answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the US Navy and serving aboard the U.S.S. Rockbridge. During the years of Wayne's service (1951-1954), Wayne participated in sea trials, numerous amphibious exercises on the east coast and Cuba, two Mediterranean cruises, Operation WELDFAST (NATO) exercise, and the humanitarian relief of earthquake victims on the island of Zante (Greece). Wayne often told stories from his time in the Navy, including having his wisdom teeth removed while looking up at the Rock of Gibraltar and nearly being left behind by his ship during an ocean swim. While in the Navy, Wayne was trained as a welder, a skill that would serve him for the rest of his life. Petty Officer 2nd Class (Metalsmith) Wayne Bonner, by his dedication, patriotism, and unwavering work ethic, was awarded the the National Defense Service Medal, WW2 Occupation Medal, and the Navy Good Conduct Medal before his honorable discharge in November of 1954.

After his time in the Navy was completed, Wayne returned to Utah and married Shirley Rae Smith in Heber City, UT on November 25, 1955. They were later sealed in the Manti Temple on October 24, 1962. Wayne and Shirley bought the Albert and Maggie Bonner Stewart home in Midway, where they raised seven children. Wayne worked as a welder at Aerojet, Fisher Beer, Hill Field (now Hill AFB) and two different periods at Geneva Steel. Wayne then decided he’d had enough bosses and determined to become his own - he built Bonner’s Repair from the ground up in 1976 and operated it until 2018. During a career spanning more than sixty years, Wayne proved he could “weld everything but the crack of dawn.”

Wayne had a multitude of interests throughout his life, including bowling, quick draw competitions, swimming, coin collecting and everything related to the New York Yankees. He loved animals, especially his horse, Mingo and his Watusi (which was famous enough to be featured in the Salt Lake Tribune.) He was an insatiable reader and could be found at all times with at least one book in progress. In his latter years, he could often be found holding court at the shop or at the bowling alley with Orson, Hawk, Jay (among many others willing to shoot the breeze with him) or going on Sunday drives with Shirley. He was known for his humor and his quick wit. He enjoyed helping those in need wherever possible (often in secret), and was always a champion of the underdog.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Shirley, six of his seven children: Bonnie (Mac Matheson), Brenda, Becky, Patricia, and Travis (Diane), and a daughter-in-law (Jodie). He is also survived by two brothers, Richard (Carole) and Louis (Carma), a sister-in-law (Carol), seventeen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, many nieces and nephews and a host of friends, including friend/mentee Marcelo Galvan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Glade and Burnice, four of his siblings: Beverly Ercanbrack, Thomas, Gary and Glenna Smith, son Tyler, granddaughter Shantelle Flynn, and granddaughter Misty Johnson.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Heber Valley Assisted Living for their excellent care of Wayne during his final years.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 4 at 11:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Legacy Building (250 E 200 S, Midway). Viewing will be held from 10:00-11:00am, immediately prior to the funeral. An additional viewing will be held on Wednesday, September 3 from 6:00-8:00pm at the same location.