Kirk D. Bonnell
Kirk Douglas Bonnell, 63, of Hoschton, Georgia, passed away Thursday, Feb. 12, at Select Specialty Hospital of Savannah in Savannah, Georgia.
He was born on July 27, 1962 in Logansport, to Larry D. and Judith M. (Planck) Bonnell. Kirk lived in Star City through age five when his family moved to Illinois. After graduating from St. Charles High School in 1980, Kirk enlisted in the US Air Force. He served on active duty for five years (which included 18 months in Okinawa, Japan) and one year in the reserves. Upon returning from Japan, Kirk was in a tragic car accident that forever changed his life. Despite the many challenges he faced, Kirk pursued higher education and earned a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Illinois in Champagne-Urbana, Illinois. While in school, he played on the wheelchair rugby team. After college, Kirk continued to participate in wheelchair sports, even trying out for the United States Paralympics Team. Kirk never let his disability hold him back. He worked hard and faced each day without fear.
Kirk spent most of his working career as a salesman in the medical supplies industry. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. In his younger years, Kirk enjoyed fishing and had special memories of fishing with his grandparents at Lake Bruce. A recent passion of his was caring for his yard and attempting to grow a garden in the hard Georgia clay. Kirk inspired others with his never-give-up attitude and friendly personality. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by parents: Larry D. and Judith M. (Planck) Bonnell, St. Charles, Illinois; sisters: Kim Abern, Clearbrook, Minnesota and Andrea Bonnell, St. Charles, Illinois; niece Sarah [husband: Ben] McCurn; nephews: Brian [wife: Michelle] Abern and Matthew [wife: Bailey] Abern; great-niece Caitlynn McCurn; great-nephews: Devin McCurn and Ethan McCurn; aunts: Emily Bonnell, Shirley Robertson and Sharlene Planck; many cousins; and longtime friend and roommate Thomas Brady, Hoschton, Georgia.
Preceded in death by infant brother Kenneth Wayne Bonnell; paternal grandparents: Kenneth and Elsie Bonnell; maternal grandparents: Wayne and Marie Planck; uncles: Gary Bonnell, Ronald Planck, James Planck and Dale Planck; aunts: Barbara Sipe and Virginia Wise.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 20, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 21, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
Burial will take place at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac. The USAF, VFW and American Legion will conduct military graveside services.
Memorial contributions may be made to The National Spinal Cord Injury Association or Winamac VFW Post #1728.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary (305 E. Main St. Winamac, IN 46996).
(Pulaski County Journal — Feb. 18, 2026)