Bonnie B. Trexler

The Priours and Beynons were among the early pioneer families of Corpus Christi, Texas. Those were the days of horse and buggy, Pancho Villa raids, and deliveries from the milkman. Bonnie grew up living amongst many of her relatives. Her grandparents lived across the shell drive-way – shells brought in from the nearby coast. Fun traditions of Ping-Pong duals, Dominoes games of 42, and at 3 PM everyday Bonnie’s grandmother, Nannie, requested all ladies to stop their work and gather at her house. The house had two large porches and a long hallway between them to catch the warm coastal breezes. It was there that Nannie would serve up cakes and cookies and everyone would enjoy the news of the day.

Bonnie was the oldest of four children born to her father, Eugene Thomas Beynon, owner of Beynon’s Radio & Television shop and her mother Edna Priour Beynon, who ran the shop. Eugene Thomas Beynon, Jr of Austin, Texas passed away in April 2006. A few months later, her youngest brother of Austin, Frank Priour Beynon, passed away in September 2006. Her son, Michael Holmes, passed in May 2010. Her sister, Susan B. Winhoven of Floresville, Texas, passed away in June 2012. Two weeks before Susan’s passing, Bonnie’s beloved husband, Ralph J. Trexler, passed away on May 17, 2012. In April 2019 her brother-in-law, John R. Winhoven of Floresville, passed away.

Throughout her life, Bonnie was a goal setter. She began college at Del Mar Junior College right after graduating from Corpus Christi High School in 1949. While there, she became “the personality of the month” and was featured in the Foghorn College newspaper. She was secretary of the French Club and a member of the swim team. She also enjoyed sailing and would one day own her own sail boat, “The Bonnie B.” Later she would become the President of her Secretaries Association when she was with the Corpus Christi I.S.D. When she and Ralph moved from San Antonio to Corpus Christi in the 1980s, they bought her grandmother’s 1912 farm house and fixed it up. Her mother, Edna, still lived in the middle house next to the old farmhouse and her dear Aunt Connie lived next door to Edna. Bonnie’s daughter, Melody McClendon lived down the street with her husband, Ken McClendon and two young children, Bonnie and Kenny. Jennifer would be born a year later in 1983 after a move to the big farmhouse on shell road. Aunt Connie passed in 1982 and Bonnie and Ralph moved to her house. 1984 brought changes at the original shell road neighborhood including Edna’s passing and Bonnie completing her degree at Delmar.

Bonnie and Ralph moved back to their San Antonio house on Highcliff. Melody and Ken and their children moved to the same neighborhood and little Bonnie started Kindergarten. Bonnie worked for NEISD in the Personnel Office for a brief time before pursuing a career in Real Estate. She excelled in Real Estate and became a Property Manager. She retired in 2003 from her last job as Property Manager at 7600 Broadway Condominiums to assist and care for Ralph who was 90 years old. Nine years later after Ralph passed away in 2012, 7600 Broadway Condos called Bonnie, who was 80 years old, and asked her to come back to work! She was flattered at the request but declined graciously. A testament to her exemplary work ethic.

Bonnie lived the last eight years of her life at Incarnate Word Village. The first five years in Independent living, two years in Assisted living, eight months in Memory Care, and four months in Nursing Care where she passed away with her daughter, Melody, by her side, holding her hand. She is now in Heaven with her Saviour, Jesus, and the loved ones who passed before her. Praise God!

Her beautiful, sensitive, and caring spirit will be greatly missed by her family and friends. All who met her would agree she was the bright light of any family gathering or party and her cheerful smile was always gracious. Her hospice nurse who met her with just weeks left of her life told us that each time she saw a rainbow she would be reminded of Bonnie – because that is who she was – her energy cast a spectrum of light-hearted happiness to anyone she met.

She is survived by her daughter and her husband, Melody and Ken McClendon of Floresville. Her grandchildren, Bonnie McClendon, Kenny McClendon and his wife Tracy, and Jenny McClendon and her husband Mark. Her step-son, Ralph Trexler JR and his wife Debbie Trexler from Bulverde. Her grandson, Scott Trexler and his wife Heather and their two daughters, Madison and Kylie. Also her sisters' in law whom she dearly loved, Vicky Beynon and Carolyn Beynon of Austin, Texas. Her many cousins that she loved as well numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved so much.

Our family wants to express appreciation for the well wishes, support, and prayers we received this past week. Due to the current health concerns and limits to group gatherings we have decided to limit those attending to 10 immediate family members. While many family and friends have asked to participate in the funeral service, we regret that this will not be possible due to Holy Cross limitations. Thank you for understanding this decision at this difficult time. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your favorite charity.