Milton Elwood Bonham

Milton Elwood Bonham

January 6, 1935-September 17, 2024

Milt was born in Greenville MS to Michael Bringle Bonham and Wilma Vivian Kent. His family moved to New Orleans, LA where he went to school, and in 1951 he moved to Baltimore to live with his aunt. In January 1952 he joined the Air Force. He trained at the Hughes aircraft facilities several times, taking the knowledge he learned back to the base where he was stationed to train others. While at Lowry AFB in Denver, CO he met his future wife Ellen Louise Dick at a USO square dance. They were married in May 1955, and had three daughters, Vivian, Linda and Margaret.

His military career spanned over twenty-one years. The first few years of his marriage he was in a unit where he was transferred every six months or so living in a variety of locations, including Virginia, Washington, Louisiana, and California. When his children started school, he was stationed for two-to-three-year stints, mostly in California - the Mojave Desert, the San Joaquin Valley, and on the coast, north of Los Angeles. His one overseas assignment was in Thailand in 1970. Upon his return to the USA the family spent a year in Washington State. He wanted to retire in Denver so got a transfer back to Lowry AFB. Milt received several recognitions while in the military including an Air Space Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air & Space Outstanding Unit Award, USAF Non-Commissioned Officer, Professional Military Education Graduate and others. 

After military life Milt had a job installing and repairing computer systems. He worked for GTE, ADP and IBM.

Milt had numerous hobbies in a variety of areas. He took flying lessons while living in California and obtained his single engine pilot's license, his instrument rating, and instructor's license. He was an avid golfer - meeting Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Tom Watson and Lee Trevino at the Hesperia Golf Course, a photographer - taking and developing his own photos, a carpenter - building bookcases and nightstands for his daughters, and an auto mechanic - doing oil changes and basic car repairs. He did leather work, making belts and purses and other items for family and friends, took sailing lessons in Tacoma, WA and enjoyed sailing with Margaret, built computers out of what seemed to be random spare parts, and rode a motorcycle! Milt got his Ham Radio license (KY0E) and spent many of his retirement years making connections with other Ham operators. He was a County Hunter and made connections with every county in the United States more than once. He even made a connection with the Space Shuttle once when a Ham flew a mission. 

He spent time doing volunteer work in several organizations. He was a member of the Colorado Civil Air Patrol for many years, holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was a member of the Masons, serving in a variety of locations including the Northglenn Lodge, the Aurora Council, and the Denver Scottish Rite. Milt joined the Radops of El Jebel Shrine (the Ham Radio group), in 1989 and served as its president in 1997. He was also a member of Sojourners. He logged more than 1,000 hours of volunteer service.

Family vacations were spent either camping in the National Parks or visiting relatives in New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. One year Milt rented a plane and flew his wife, three girls and their dog (Tony) across the country from California to Louisiana to visit relatives. The dog (Tony) was always the first one out of the aircraft and on the ground!

Milton Elwood Bonham passed away peacefully on September 17, 2024. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-papa, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend who was loved and respected by everyone he met. He is survived by his daughters Vivian Bonham, Linda Hurst, and Margaret Hildebrandt; grandchildren Leslie Rios, Michaela Girouard (husband Eric), and Michael Hildebrandt Jr.; great-grandchildren Celeste Rios, Jacob Rios, Ryker Girouard, Brock Girouard, and brother Michael K. Bonham (wife Joan); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Ellen L. Bonham; brother Harley T. Bonham; grandson James Hurst; and his son in-law Michael K. Hildebrandt. 

The angels are rejoicing in Heaven at his homecoming. In lieu of flowers, donations in Milton Bonham's name may be made to the El Jebel Shrine for the Shriners Hospital Fund: 3443 South Galena Street, Suite 100, Denver CO 80231. 

Celebration of Life will be on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 10:00 a.m. at Horan & McConaty, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80227. A reception will follow the service.