Gabriel Merl Bonham's Obituary
Gabriel "Gabe" Merl Bonham, 74, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away on June 30, 2026. Born on Christmas Day, 1951, in Cushing, Oklahoma, Gabe was the son of Merl Bonham and Clara Marie Cox (Young).
Gabe graduated from Fairfax High School in 1970, where he played football and dabbled in baseball. He went on to learn the welding trade at Pioneer Tech in Ponca City, a skill that would shape much of his working life. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force with the Third Mobile Communications Group, spending his entire military career stationed at Tinker Air Force Base.
While living in Fairfax, OK, Gabe had two sons, Merl and Aaron. In his early adult years, Gabe was an accomplished steer and team roper, winning multiple belt buckles and even a brand-new saddle at rodeos. During the 1980s, he worked in the oil fields, traveling throughout the country before settling into a 20-year career at Natco in Electra, Texas. It was during a night out dancing in Longmont, Colorado, that Gabe met the love of his life, Ardith. The two were married on September 9, 1991, in Estes Park, Colorado. In 2012, Gabe returned to the Tulsa area, where he continued his welding career at John Zink and later Weamco, working as a welder for another 10 years.
Outside of work, Gabe found joy on the golf course, most often at LaFortune and South Lakes, and he loved participating in MGA events. He also took great pleasure in tending his garden.
Gabe is survived by his loving wife of almost 35 years, Ardith Bonham; his two sons, Merl Bonham and wife Mindy, and Aaron Bonham; Ardith's children, Shawndra Hayes-Budgen and husband Simon of England, Heather Scaglione of Dallas, Texas, and Brett Miller and wife Stephanie of Chandler, Arizona; grandchildren Mace and Hunter; granddaughter Gianna; sisters Sherral Creek and Becky Ramsey; and brother Young Whitebeaver.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Merl and Clara, and his brothers, Bill and Dick.
Gabe will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather - a hardworking man who spent decades honing his craft as a welder, a veteran who served his country with honor, and a man who found peace on the golf course and in his garden. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the hospice of your choice.
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