Joe Lee “Poppy” Bonura
Joe Lee “Poppy” Bonura was born on July 4, 1926, son of Frank and Ruby Bonura. He passed from this earth on December 24, 2023, after 97 phenomenal years. He is survived by his loving wife, Anna Vidrine, two children and many grandkids and great-grandkids.
Joe Lee was married to Dorothy Grace Klein. Together, they raised Jay Bonura and Jodie Bonura Nobles.
He had a 37-year career at Mobil Oil followed by a few years contracting for the company. That led to several years of adventures in Puerto Rico.
Poppy, as he is known to his 4 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren and their multitude of friends, was known for having the coolest socks at all the kids’ events. He was also sure to have a monogrammed shirt that matched whatever sporting or dance event he was attending.
Joe Lee is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy and sister, Mary Louise Meyer. He is survived by his wife, Anna; children, Jay Bonura and his wife, Jane, and Jodie Nobles and her husband, Stanley, as well as Renee Vidrine and Lisa Sterling; grandchildren, Lindsey (Justin) Guidry, Anna (Anthony) Papa, Matthew (Christi) Bonura and Beth (Taylor) Englert; great-grandchildren, Riley, Taylor and Jasper Guidry, Luca Papa, and Raleigh Joe and Poppy Grace Englert; and nephew, Chris Meyer.
Poppy loved fishing, crabbing and Old Milwaukee Light. But he loved his family best. We were the luckiest to have 97 wonderful years and what a great run he had!
A gathering of Joe Lee’s family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m., with his funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His interment will follow at Broussard Cemetery, Hamshire.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- December 27, 2023
- 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Funeral Service
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- December 27, 2023
- 11:00 am
Interment
Broussard Cemetery
- , Broussard Cemetery Rd, Hamshire, TX, 77622,
- December 27, 2023
I was devastated to read of Poppy’s passing. I met Poppy when I worked at Courville’s years ago. He was always such a kind man who made my day every time he could make it from sabine to the monthly lunches at Courville’s. He treated everyone like family and always brought us some kind of dessert! Poppy blessed me with a binder of recipes “From Poppy’s collection” in 2018 with his signature below, that I still have and use til this day. He was truly a special man
To the friends & family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
– Reese
(Cheryse Stokes)
Prayers of comfort and sympathy to Mr. Bonura’s family. May you enjoy your memories of your dad and grandfather. Billy & Chris Heiner & family
Ohhhhhh the memories! I can’t even begin. He was definitely one of a kind. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Jay, Jodie my deepest condolences to you and your families.
A good man I enjoyed working with him for many years. RIP old friend.
Prayers for the family.
Joe Lee made the world a better place. His leaving is all our loss. Condolences.
Jodie and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. You’re in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.
So sorry for you lost Jay and Jodie , wow you dad had
a long life , I wondered what had happen to him , dad and my husband went to eat out with him before dad died , had a great time food and dancing , lol my dad and yours SJ SACHITANO had a great friendship all THIER life , now they are all back together , prayers for you all he will be missed , Gale SACHITANO Nelson AUSTIN TEXAS
Jodie I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. I know you all adored him. May he rest in peace. May God keep you all in the palm of His hands and give you all comfort and peace.
Love,
Susan LeBlanc
To the family of Mr Bonura: I have fond memories of Mr Bonura from many years ago when he would come by my Father’s grocery store (South End Grocery). He was such a kind, friendly, and good man. May he rest in peace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Steve & Becky Gatewood
Mr. Bonura introduced me to cucuzzi in September of 1992 when I was the Enterprise food editor, and two of his recipes are in my loose-leaf. The favorite is the simple stewed one, and I think of him every time I make it. Rest in peace.
My across the street neighbor all my home life and my uncle’s childhood friend, Joe Lee was a great guy. Sending prayers to Jay and Jodie and their families. Rest in peace, sir!
So sorry to hear of his passing. I know he and my dad were buddies years ago in Green Acres. I hope they are catching up on old times over a cup of coffee. Much love and prayers for your family as you grieve his loss. He was such a a special person.
Awe, sweet Poppy. Rest in heavenly peace. He was one of the good guys for sure.