O B I T U A R Y

Bro. Wilburn Bonta of Green County, Kentucky, son of the late William Clarence Bonta and Stella Pauline Wright Bonta, was born on Thursday, October 13, 1949 in Green County and departed this life on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at Jewish Hospital in Louisville. He was 76 years, 4 months, and 28 days of age.

He had made a profession of faith as a 13-year-old boy at New Salem Baptist Church. He went on to be a pastor for 51 years, including many years at Greasy Creek Baptist Church and was the Director of Missions for the Russell Creek and East Lynn Baptist Associations. He was also a member of the Green County Ministerial Association. Bro. Bonta was a true leader of the community and was proud to share the gospel with anyone he came to know. Over the years, he has led many to Christ and served the community with high honor. He was also the Chaplain for the Greensburg/Green County Fire and Rescue Squad and a member of the Farm Bureau Board.

He raised a family out on their farm in Donansburg, and worked cattle, cut tobacco, and rolled hay for many years. He loved to spend time with his kids and grandchildren and always had a good story to tell. There wasn't a family Bro. Bonta didn't know and could always tell you who was related to who. He was gifted with a spirit of wisdom and always used his talents to glorify God.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years: Connie Whitlow Bonta of Green County, having united in marriage on June 19, 1971.

Other survivors include his two sons and daughters-in-law: James and Erin Bonta, Mark and Lindsey Bonta all of Green County; eight grandchildren: Will Bonta, Whitley Bonta, Ty Bonta, Hayden Bonta, Waylon Bonta, Caleb Bonta, Willow Bonta, and soon to be born, Caroline Bonta all of Green County; a sister: Suvada Arnett of Green County; in-laws: Reta and Steve Pickett, Shelia Pearman, Rodney and Rita Whitlow, Rodger and Bea Whitlow; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Besides his parents, he was also preceded in death by two brothers: Winfred Bonta, William "Bill" Bonta; two sisters: Marilyn Simpson, Joyce Simpson.

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The funeral service for Wilburn Bonta will be conducted at 2 P.M., Central Time, Sunday, March 15, 2026 at the Cowherd and Parrott Funeral Home with burial to follow in the New Salem Cemetery. Bro. Mark Bonta, Bro. James Bonta, and Bro. Jim Collison officiating.

Visitation is requested from 3 until 8 P.M., Central Time, Saturday at the funeral home and after 7 A.M., Central Time, Sunday at the funeral home until time of the service.

The family had requested that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to the Gideon Bible Fund or the New Salem Cemetery Fund which can both be made at the funeral home.

PALLBEARERS:

Will Bonta, Whitley Bonta, Ty Bonta, Hayden Bonta,

Waylon Bonta, Caleb Bonta, Willow Bonta, John Woodhouse