William A. Bonnette

William A. Bonnette, born on July 13, 1938, passed away at home on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the age of 87.

Bill Bonnette was a man who dedicated his life to serving his family, his community, and his Faith. From a very young age after seeing a chemistry set in a window, he wanted to be a pharmacist having his first job in Sitman’s Pharmacy as a bike delivery boy in downtown Baton Rouge. He attended LSU 1956-1958 and Loyola University from 1958-1961 to complete his pharmacy degree. He then served as a pharmacist for 3 years in the Army from 1962-1965 stationed at Fort Polk, La. He married the love of his life, Bonnie Jean Hattier, in April 1966 after less than a year of courtship knowing that she was the one. When the Walgreens in Delmont village and Bon Marche merged in December of 1970, Bill lost his job and Howard Bolton took a chance to hire this young pharmacist, who fell off his brother’s bike, broke his arm and still reported to work one handed for his first day. “Mr. Bill” is most remembered for his time at Bolton’s Pharmacy as a pharmacist beginning January 1971 and then continued as the co-owner/pharmacist with Steve Yellot from 1991 to 2014. He possessed a sharp wit, and he wanted to bring joy to all he met. As a loving father he modeled unwavering devotion to the Catholic Church, commitment to family, generosity in spirit, and shared wisdom borne of experience. One his favorite quotes that he aspired to live by was from a Noble Peace Prize recipient, Dag Hammarskjöld, “For all that has been - thanks. For all that will be - yes.”

Bill is survived by his daughter, Suzanne Bankston and son-in-law, Richard; son, Keith Bonnette; sister, Betty Mitchell; sister-in-law, Linda Hattier; brother, Roy Bonnette; and these friends that became our family through the care they provided over the years, Ossie Posey, Myra Graham, Gloria Turner, Shaterica Posey, Kristy Mays, Brandon, Marcus, Da’Myriah, Bryce, and Sevyn.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Bonnie Hattier Bonnette; parents, John A. Bonnette and Ethel Roy Bonnette; and daughter-in-law, Angela Bonnette.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Bill’s life on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at St. Jude Catholic Church. All will be welcomed at 10:00 AM followed by Mass beginning at 11:00 AM, officiated by Father Trey Nelson. Burial will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the loving community of St. Jude Parish, especially their dear friend, Jan Radford, and the exceptional care provided by The Hospice of Baton Rouge.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Covenant House of New Orleans or Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge in New Orleans of the American Cancer Society.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.