Carmelo Joseph “C.J.” Bonura, 91, of Beaumont died September 1, 2008 at Memorial Hermann Beaumont Baptist Hospital. A lifelong resident of Beaumont, born July 7, 1917, C.J. was a 1936 graduate of Beaumont High School. He was a United States World War II Army veteran, having served in Europe where he was a member of the 660th Engineers Topographical Battalion, which provided maps for military operations. He was an Eagle Scout, a member of the American Legion, and a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Beaumont.
In 1982, Carmelo retired from Gulf States Utilities, now Entergy, after forty-six years as a surveyor. He worked several years in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and upon returning to Beaumont, he entered management until he retired. C. J. was a registered public surveyor in the states of Texas and Louisiana and a member of the American Congress on Surveying.
Survivors include his brother, Frank C. Bonura and his wife Aline of Beaumont; sister, Josephine Minks of Louisville, Kentucky; nephews, Joe C. Bonura and Milton D. Bonura and wife Piper all of Beaumont, and Donald Cooke and his wife Judy of Lake Charles, Louisiana; nieces, Carol Aiken and her husband Wayne of Hillister, Patsy Hagedorn, Barbara Colvin, and Joann Reynolds all of Louisville, Kentucky; great nephews and nieces; and a host of other loving family members. He was preceded in death by his sister, Alvita Cooke; and nephew, Robert Cooke.
Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 6, 2008 at Magnolia Cemetery under the direction of Broussard's, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. A gathering of family and friends will be Friday evening, September 5, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. .until 7:00 p.m. at the mortuary.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Pius X Catholic Church, 5075 Bigner Road, Beaumont, Texas 77708
