Jessie Bonnette, Jr.

Funeral services for Mr. Jessie Bonnette, Jr., 90, of Ore City, will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 8, 2026, in the chapel of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Ore City. Burial will follow at Ore City Cemetery.  There will be a time of visitation with family and friends from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the funeral home.

Jessie Bonnette, Jr., 90, departed this world and went home to be with the Lord and his heavenly bride of over 70 years on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Although Jessie was the name on his birth certificate, “Big Tony” and “Papaw” were the names given to him by all of those who loved him.

Tony was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on July 14, 1935 to Susie Ann Spear and Jessie James “B Jon” Bonnette. Tony married the love of his life, Delores Levonia, in 1955 and the two moved to Longview, Texas, later making their family home in Ore City.

There is nothing Tony loved more than having a house full of people, echoing with laughter and tall tales (often slightly exaggerated). He spent as much time as he possibly could at the lake with his children, grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. An afternoon fish fry “at the lake” on their back porch is a memory anyone who knew Tony well can keep with them forever.

Tony was a family man through and through. He was a dad, papaw and friend to anyone who needed one. He honestly never met a stranger. Tony was an avid outdoorsmen and would rather be outside than anywhere else in the world.

Although we are left to mourn his passing here on Earth, those who knew Tony know that he looked forward to seeing his sweetheart, Delores, again.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Tony was preceded in death by his wife, Delores, parents, Susie and B’Jon, sister: Wanda Sue, brother: Jimmy Dale, and grandsons: Robert, Jared, Hunter, Fisher and Cason. He is survived by brothers: Lawson and Joe, sister: Mildred, five children: Tony Lynn Bonnette and Becky Winn, Linda Gail Bonnette, Mark Duwayne Bonnette and wife Angela Bonnette, Laurie Maldonado and husband Cande Maldonado, and Joel Bonnette and wife Sara Bonnette. Tony is also survived by dozens and dozens of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and extended family.

His memory will be cherished by all.