John Ignatius Bonilla Sr., of Salina, was called back to heaven Wednesday January 12th, 2022, at the age of 78. He passed away, surrounded by family in the comfort of his own home.
John is survived by; wife Maria Bonilla, children: Dominic Bonilla, John Bonilla Jr. (Priscilla Liserio-Bonilla), Angelica Nunemaker (Paul Nunemaker) and Mario Bonilla (Karli Schrag-Bonilla), all of Salina; grandchildren: Payton, Denise, Sydney, Cierah, Savannah, Alexxa, Declan, Quinton, Ruby, Kamryn, Sinjin, Erica and Ian; great grand children: Jasmine, Roen, and Kloe, brothers: Fortunato Bonilla Jr. (Rosemary),Santos Bonilla (Marlene), Rodrigo Bonilla (Vicky), and sister-in-law Elizabeth Bonilla all of Salina, and Robert Betancur (Marilyn), of Morrill, Neb.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Fortunato Sr. and Noberta (Baeza) Bonilla; brothers Arcadio, Benito, Bernardo, Francisco, Joe, Joseph, Oliver, Bidal, Antonio, Guillermo Bonilla, and Fortino Bonilla; and sisters, Petra Bonilla and Carmen Montoy.
John was born in Ulysses, Kan. on Dec. 10, 1943. He attended many schools in the Salina community and attended cloud community college as well. His work career includes expertise as an over the road truck driver, machinist, and foreman. He is a very proud Vietnam War combat veteran. He served in the Navy reserves, and Army reserves as staff sergeant. He served in the US Navy on the USS Enterprise and Hornet. Also being very proud of his Mexican heritage, John was an active member of LULAC,holding the position of state director for several years, and also worked on the community project: Ser Jobs for Progress. In addition he was an active member of Sacred Heart Cathedral, and deeply enjoyed spending time with his siblings, wife, children and grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, January 16th at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Salina, KS. The rosary will immediately follow beginning at 5:30 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, January 17th, also at the Cathedral. Burial will follow with military honors by VFW Post 1432 at Mount Calvary Cemetery.