Howard Paul Bonnett, 92, passed away on August 19, 2025. Born on January 6, 1933, in Garrett, Indiana, Howard was the son of Kenneth W. Bonnett and Ruth (Ritzke) Bonnett. He was a 1950 graduate of Garrett High School. Howard briefly served in the US Navy and furthered his education at Purdue Extension, Fort Wayne for a year, three years of undergrad, and four years of dental school graduating from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1957. Howard and Carol worked side by side in their own dental office serving the community of Greensburg. Very dedicated to his work, he spent many long hours carving models to cast dental crowns for bridge work and personally crafted the dentures for his patients. With the help of Joyce Holtkamp, Beth Moore, Janet Gay and others, he worked for over 47 years before retiring in 2005. Howard married Carol (Williams) Bonnett on July 7, 1957. Together they had four wonderful children of whom he was very proud. Howard was a member of the First Christian Church, a member of The American Legion, and past member and first president of The Optimist Club. He enjoyed competitive sports and cheering on the Greensburg Pirates. Camping and fishing with his special friends were among his greatest pleasures. He enjoyed studying aviation and earned his private pilot’s license. Howard is survived by his wife; his daughters, Catherine (Joseph) DiBerardino of Orlando, Florida, Paula (Clifford) Schuman of Greensburg, Indiana, Julie Bonnett of Indianapolis, Indiana; and son, Kenneth Bonnett of Greensburg, Indiana; Sister, Donna Reinhard of Gig Harbor, Washington. He has four grandchildren; Jennifer Schuman, Sarah Schuman, Andrew Haynes, Curt Schuman and his wife Nellie, and their four children Maya, Lilly, Jake and CeCe. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Stanley Bonnett.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation from 2:00 pm until the time of the Celebration of Life at 3:00 pm at Gilliland-Howe Funeral Home on Friday, August 22, 2025. Pastor Ray Sweet will be officiating. Memorial Contributions can be made to the First Christian Church of Greensburg or the Greensburg/Decatur County Animal Shelter. Burial will be at South Park Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to share their memories and condolences at www.gilliland-howe.com.
