Gaines Caraway Bonner September 15, 1936 - February 26, 2020

Gaines Bonner, of Hot Springs Village, passed away at the age of 83. He was the first-born son of Otto Caraway (OC) Bonner and Mondine (Middleton) Bonner and grew up on his family’s farm and homestead in Turner. He was quickly surrounded by three younger brothers. Darrell, Hugh, and Elwood. They all worked the farm as it grew and Gaines always kept his brothers laughing. His kindness, honesty, and sense of humor would follow him through life and touch all that he knew or even just met.

He graduated Marvell School in 1954 and went on to achieve a degree at the University of Arkansas, graduating in 1958.

After graduating a Razorback, he made his way to Texas working in commercial real estate development. It was in Dallas, Texas where he met the one true love of his life. Her name was Wanda Carolyn Young. She was also Arkansas born and raised. On October 6, 1966, at the First United Methodist Church in Dallas, she became his wife. Opportunity would move them to Wichita Falls, Texas, and Wanda soon gave birth to their son, Gaines Caraway Bonner II, who they would always call "Cary".

Gaines would go on to found Bonner Investments in Wichita Falls, a corporation centering on commercial real estate development, construction, and property management.

His and Wanda's faith in Christ would lead them to the First Baptist Church in Wichita Falls, where they led Bible studies, served as directors, and where their son was baptized. But, as Dallas Cowboys fans, he and Wanda always hoped Pastor Chapman would finish his sermon early on Sundays during Football season.

He loved being back in Arkansas. Close to his brothers, his extended family, and a lot more golf courses right next to his and Wanda's Hot Springs Village home. He decided to work for Colliers Commercial out of Little Rock, handling property management for a time and, as always, made new friends everywhere he went.

Arrangements were made by Bob Neal and Sons Brickell Funeral Home in Marvell. Graveside services were held on February 29 at Turner Cemetery, with Mark Spencer officiating.