Bruce Bonham

Ernest “Bruce” Bonham entered the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 10, 2026, where he was joyfully reunited with his beloved wife, Debbie, and many loved ones who had gone before him.

Bruce was born on October 21, 1957, in San Diego, California, to George Ernest Bonham and Delores Dawn Bonham (Wills). As the son of a Navy serviceman, Bruce moved frequently throughout his childhood, attending several public schools along the way. He was the oldest of three boys and shared a special bond with his brothers, Ernie and Bill. Eventually, the family settled in the Dewey area, where Bruce graduated from Dewey High School in 1975.

Bruce often spoke fondly of the adventures he shared with his brothers and his beloved “Poppy” while growing up. He loved fishing, hunting, working on cars, and spending time outdoors. Those early years created memories he carried with him throughout his life.

While working in the Dewey-Copan area, Bruce met the love of his life, Debra Jean Blevins. He often said it was love at first sight, and he pursued Debbie every chance he got. After dating for several years, he proposed to the woman who would become his wife of 42 years.

Bruce and Debbie were married on June 25, 1982, in Copan, Oklahoma. Debbie’s teaching career brought them to Claremore, where they built a life together and raised their four children: Kristin, Kourtney, Colby, and Chris.

In 1990, Bruce graduated from the Tulsa Police Department Academy and began a distinguished law enforcement career that spanned more than two decades. Throughout his service, he earned numerous medals, honors, and commendations for his bravery, dedication, and selflessness in serving his community. Later in life, he was blessed with the opportunity to work alongside his youngest brother, Bill, creating memories and stories he treasured for years to come.

Bruce’s greatest joy was his family. Known simply as “Poppy” to the grandchildren who adored him, he was blessed with eight grandchildren—Abbey, Kaleb, Kenzie, Isaiah, Hannah, Drew, Lydia, and Eliza—who were the light of his life. Whether sharing stories, offering encouragement, or simply spending time together, Poppy treasured every moment with them. Even through his final days, he found the strength to share one last goodbye with each of them, a testament to the deep love he had for his family.

Bruce began attending Grace Life Church in Pryor with Debbie and Kourtney. After Debbie’s passing from pancreatic cancer, he faithfully continued attending, honoring a promise he had made to her and sitting in their same pew until his health no longer allowed him to do so. In His goodness, God allowed Bruce to give his children and grandchildren one final gift: the reassurance that his faith in Christ was secure and that this was not the end. Because of that faith, his family rests in the promise that they will see him again.

Bruce is survived by his children, Kristin Decker (Matt), Kourtney Clark (Drake), Colby Bonham (Kyli), and Chris Bonham; his grandchildren, Abbey Bonham, Kaleb Decker, Kenzie Clark, Isaiah Decker, Hannah Decker, Drew Clark, Lydia Decker, and Eliza Decker; his brothers, Ernie Bonham (Kim) and Bill Bonham (Missy); his sister-in-law, Terri Cook (Tom); his mother-in-law, Rachael Blevins; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, former colleagues, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Debra Jean Bonham; his parents, George Ernest Bonham and Delores Dawn Bonham; his father-in-law, George Blevins; and numerous cherished family members and friends.

Visitation and viewing will be held Thursday, June 18, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at MMS-Payne Funeral Home in Claremore, with family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 19, at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Life Church in Pryor. Burial will follow at Sunnyside Cemetery in Caney, Kansas.

Though Bruce will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing that he is whole again, reunited with Debbie, and resting in the presence of his Savior.

Bruce’s greatest legacy is the family he loved so deeply. His faith, love, and example will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.