Tom Bonner, 87, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at home in Waco, TX surrounded by his loving family.
Tom was a strong, loving man, always ready to share his smile, quick wit, and sense of humor. He grew up in Tillatoba, MS, with an obsessive curiosity about our solar system and space. He graduated from Ole Miss in 1959 with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering and immediately went to work for NASA in Hampton, VA. This is where he met the first love of his life, Judy Simpson. They were married and had two children. His NASA achievements included the Apollo Project and development of the Space Shuttle. He was transferred to Houston, TX, in 1985 and retired from NASA soon thereafter.
He then took a private sector job as Project Manager over the SOFIA project, which brought him to the McGregor/Waco area. This is where he met his soulmate, Debi. They eloped to NC, of all places, during the Christmas holiday in 2002 and celebrated their wedding bliss with family in Virginia. Tom and Debi returned to the Waco area and enjoyed 22 very happy years together with their Waco family.
Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Bonnie; father, Tom Frank Sr.; brother, Jimmy; and grandson, Joshua Bonner.
He is survived by his wife, Debi; mother-in-law, Billie Robert; stepdaughter, Nikki Woycheshin (Billy) and their son Evan; and stepson, Dan Delarosa (Sabrina), all of Waco, TX.
Tom is also survived by his daughter, Kellie Bonner (Barbara) of Mechanicsville, VA; son, Steven Bonner (Susan) of Port Royal, VA; and grandson, Jason Bonner (Ana) of Durham, NC.
The family would like to express heartfelt appreciation for the gentle and loving care that Providence Hospice of Waco provided during Tom’s last weeks with us.
Interment will be private in Mississippi, where he will be laid to rest with his parents.
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It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to Mr. Bonner. In the short time I had the privilege of being his caregiver, he became such a special person to me. Some people you just click with, and he truly became near and dear to my heart. His kindness, strength, and warmth will forever stay with me. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his wife, during this difficult time. I will forever carry Mr. Bonner in my heart. Rest in peace, Mr. Bonner. – Nurse Hillary
Debi so sorry for your loss Tom was a great neighbor we always enjoyed talking with him he was the only rocket engineer we ever knew he will be missed sending prayers GOD BLESS