John Charles Bonter

John Charles Bonter, 77, of Paw Paw, passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Kairos Dwelling in Kalamazoo. He was born June 18, 1947, in Battle Creek, the son of Clarence Bonter and Marie (Dumas) Bonter.

John spent a total of 50 years combined service between the Village of Paw Paw and Van Buren County Police. He was the Former Police Chief for the Village of Paw Paw. Following retirement, John worked security at the courthouse. He was a counselor and mentor to many. He was a team leader and always looked out for his departments well being. He was highly respected by his colleagues and the locals out on the street, being known for his gentle approach to the line of duty. One of his common sayings was "we can do this the easy way or the hard way". Every morning he would visit the department to have coffee with the guys. John enjoyed trips up to the family's cabin on the Tahqamenon River all of his life just outside of Hulbert, Michigan. He enjoyed working around his property splitting wood and riding his John Deere tractors, with his dog Suzie by his side.

On September 22, 1973, he married Billiann (Mitchell) Bonter who preceded him in death March 15, 2017. 

He is survived by his two daughters, Marie (Paul) van der Feyst of Paw Paw, and Jami (Mark Hindenach) Williams of Kalamazoo; five grandchildren, Holli (Reza Jalali) Williams, Luke Williams, Anna van der Feyst, Lauren van der Feyst, and Samuel Van der Feyst. 

Family and friends are invited to visit Monday, August 5, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home, 502 West Michigan Ave., Paw Paw, where a funeral service will commence at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Chuck Rawsthorne officiating. Interment will follow at Almena Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Kairos Dwelling, 2945 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, MI, 49048. 

"I'll be seein ya"