Clarence Bonter

Clarence Bonter, age 107, of Paw Paw passed away Saturday early afternoon, October 27, 2018 at his home in Paw Paw after a well lived life. He was born December 6, 1910 in Kent County, MI. the son of late Ival and Belle (Rose) Bonter.  Clarence worked hard every day of his life.  His career consisted of but not limited to Jackson State Prison as a guard from 1936 to 1937, Michigan State Police (Jackson, Flint, Bay City, Battle Creek, West Branch and Paw Paw Posts) from 1937 to 1966, U.S. Soil Conservation from 1966 to 1982, and Almena Township Board from 1968 to 1995.

During all these years of work Clarence met and married Marie J. Dumas on March 28, 1942 and preceded him in death in October of 1969.  He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Dalia Moyes and Della Hull.   In 1947 Clarence’s surviving son, John C. Bonter was born. Also surviving are 2 granddaughters, Jami Williams of Plainwell and Marie (Paul) van der Feyst of Paw Paw; four great grandchildren, Holli and Luke Williams and Anna and Lauren van der Feyst.  

Clarence loved to be outdoors and the U.P. is where he found rest and solace.  In 1942 Clarence bought property just outside of Hulbert, MI where he built the Scow Inn.  Clarence loved building, hunting, and pouring sweat and love into whatever he was doing, including raising beef cattle.  Family will receive friends, Friday 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw where services will be held Saturday, 11 a.m. with Rev. Tim Bero officiating.  Interment will follow in Almena Cemetery, Paw Paw.  Memorial contribution may be directed to the American Legion Post 68, Paw Paw for scholarships to the Michigan State Police Student Trooper Program. 

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