Steve Wayne Bonty Sr.

A Time to Be Born On July 12, 1951, in Allensworth, CA, Steve Wayne Bonty Sr. was born to Nathaniel Bonty Sr. and Ora Lee Bonty. He was the oldest of four children and grew up alongside his three siblings in El Paso, TX. He spent many summers in Las Vegas. Steve attended and graduated from Bel Air High School in El Paso, TX. At the age of 15, Steve joined the church at Trol Bridge Tabernacle and was saved and baptized under the leadership of Elder Fuller in El Paso. In the early 1970s, Steve moved to Las Vegas to be closer to his aunts and cousins. He looked up to his older brother, Nathaniel Jr. (Nick), and held great affection for his other siblings: Tina, Mark, Earl, and stepsister Diane. Steve worked at several hotels in Las Vegas, including the Dunes and Hacienda, where he worked as a sous chef. In 1975, he met Bonnie Norris, and the two married in 1976. From this union, they had two children: a daughter, Shenika Shambria Bonty, and a son, Steve W. Bonty Jr., both of whom he loved deeply. Though their marriage was later dissolved, Steve moved to Colorado, where he became a truck driver. Eventually, he owned his own truck and traveled the country. Steve met and married Donna Cargill, and from this union, they had a son, Darius Nicanor Alvin Bonty, whom Steve loved dearly. A Time to Laugh Steve later relocated to Flint, MI, where he continued his career as a truck driver and eventually owned his own company, BNS Trucking. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing in all forms—night fishing, ice fishing, and even fly fishing. His favorite catches included bluegill, crappie, bullhead catfish, and specks. Steve had a great love for dancing, making people laugh, telling jokes, and traveling. Above all, he cherished caring for his family. A Time to Mourn God mercifully called Steve W. Bonty Sr. home on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 10:05 PM. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nathaniel Everette Bonty Sr. (Queen Esther) and Ora Lee Yeary Brown; his grandmother, Beatrice Richardson Brown (Norman); his aunt, Dorthy McCormick; his uncles, Larry Brown and Joe Brown; his stepsister, Diane White; and his stepfather, Alvin Yeary. His Legacy Steve leaves behind cherished memories with his loved ones, including his children: Shenika Warner Bonty, Steve W. Bonty Jr. (Merlyn), Darius A. Bonty, and Tanya Yeary Hawkins (Ron). He is also survived by his brothers: Nathaniel Bonty Jr. (Susie), Mark Bonty, and Norbert Earl Bonty; his sister, Nathanena Bonty; his aunts, Shirley Smith and Mary Cunningham (Billy); his uncle, Ezell Bonty, 12 grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 KJV

Steve Wayne Bonty Sr.

July 12, 1951 - February 26, 2025