George Bonsell Jr., age 66, of Tyrone, died Thursday, May 9 at 7:45 AM at his home. He was born July 7, 1946 in Altoona, the son of George and Bella Phillips Bonsell Sr. On August 16, 1968 he was married at the Evangelical United Brethren Church to Vera L. Tennis who survives. Also surviving are two sons, George Bonsell III (Karrie), Tyrone and John Bonsell (Heather), Stafford, VA and two grandchildren, Hunter and Dakota, his mother and four sisters and one brother – Ruth (Fred) Estright, Tyrone, Donna Carlucci, Fredricksburg, VA, Connie Sessamen, Pine Grove Mills, Harry (Mary) Bonsell, Tipton, and Joyce (Ray) Cingle, Clarence, PA.

He was a graduate of Tyrone High School Class of 1964 and retired in 2008 from Chicago Rivet as a machine operator after 43 years service. He had served in the United States Marine Corp during the Vietnam Conflict. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, Howard Gardner Post #281 American Legion which he had served as Commander in 1973, Blazing Arrow Hook and Ladder Fire Co., Tyrone Area Historical Society, and the Altoona Railroad Memorial Museum. He was very active in securing funds and serving as chairman of the committee which was instrumental in securing American flags for display in the downtown Tyrone area during patriotic holidays.

Funeral service for Mr. Bonsell will be held Monday, May 13, 2013 at 11 AM at the Richard H. Searer Funeral Home Inc. with Pastor Sara Kim officiating. A flag presentation will be made by the Tyrone Honor Guard. Interment will be made at the convenience of the family. Friends will be received at the funeral home on Sunday from 5 to 8 PM and on Monday from 10 until the 11 AM service.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, Pennsylvania Avenue and 14th Street, Tyrone, PA 16686.