RECORD

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1930-2023

Salinas Valley Native Richard Peter Morgantini, 93, of Paso Robles, passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2023, at his home with his family by his side. He was born January 23, 1930, in Greenfield, California, to Charles school, having enjoyed the sports programs there. After graduation, Burt spent one year in McCloud, CA, then moved to Salinas, CA, where he attended Salinas Junior College and met his future wife, Marjorie. Following graduation, Burt attended one year at San Jose State College.

In 1941, Burt enlisted in the Army and passed the Gulf Coast Training Command for pilots in the Army Air Corp, now known as the U.S. Air Force. Burt graduated from flight school and “got his wings” in 1942 at Lackland Base in San Antonio, married Marjorie, and moved to Chico, CA, where he taught basic flying.

Burt was deployed to the European theater for WWII and Mary Morgantini. He graduated from King City High School in 1947, where he was active in FFA and achieved the status of State Farmer. Prior to beginning his farming career, Richard served in the United States Navy in a combat construction battalion. He farmed for over 65 years, and he enjoyed restoring old tractors. He was first elected to the Monterey County Board of Education in 1979, serving 28 years. Prior to that, he served on the Soledad School Board for 12 years. Richard was a grower in the southern Sali - husband, father, and grandfather, entered into eternal peace Saturday, February 21, 2023. in 1944 with his graduation class, flying the P-38 Lightning out of Foggia, Italy, as a bomber escort. Burt flew in 31 combat missions or sorties totaling 167 hours over Germany, Austria, Italy, and Yugoslavia, and over 4092 total hours in his military career. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service.

Jerry was the youngest son of Alfred and Louise Bonnifield. He was born in Paso Robles, where he resided his entire life. A graduate of Paso Robles High School in 1960, Jerry was a race car enthusiast, avid fisherman, and a creative CNC machinist.

After VE (Victory in Europe), Burt was relocated to Dayton, Ohio, where he trained and transitioned to meteorology. In 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Burt was attached to NORAD, the North American Air Defense Command. There he was, the weather forecaster, giving hourly weather reports to the higher command. This infor- nas Valley and served on the Board of Directors of several agricultural-related associations and organizations. He served for 12 years on the Farmers Home Administration, a Monterey County committee. For two terms, he was a Board Member of the Pacific Coast Farm Credit system. He also served on the Board of Directors of the California Beet Growers Association, District Seven. He was on the California Dry Bean Advisory Board and a member of the Lima Bean Council. He also served on the Monterey County Water Resource mation was a factor used to calculate the potential deployment of the U.S. nuclear-armed bomber arsenal, if necessary, to defend our nation.

Burt and his family subsequently lived in Kansas, Illinois, Washington State, Alaska, Colorado, California, Okinawa/Japan, and New Jersey. Lt. Colonel Stokes retired from the Air Force in 1964.

Burt and his family moved to Colorado, where he was a Safety Instructor for United Airlines for 17 years, retiring in 1981.

Burt and Margie moved to the Central Coast after building their home on old family homestead property in rural San Miguel. They were both members of the Santa Lucia

Agency for six years, was a 4-H leader, was a parishioner of Trinity Episcopal Church in Gonzales, served on the Bishop’s Committee, and was a member of the American Legion Post 32, Soledad. Richard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joan Morgantini; children, Richard Wayne (Kerry) and Lisa Anne Davis (Chris); grandchildren, Mary and Nicholas Anthony, Jonathan, Matthew, Christopher, and Kathryn Morgantini; and eight great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, sister, Ellen Brown, and brother, Charles (Sonny) Morgantini.

Rockhounds for many years due to their shared love and knowledge of geology. Their rock collection is quite extensive, to be sure.

Burton was a kind, loving and generous man who will be incredibly missed by his family and friends. He was an amazing role model for so many, and his legacy will carry on in our hearts for generations to come.

His wife of 54 years, Marjorie, preceded him in passing in 2005.

His son, Burton Jr., preceded him in passing in 2006.

A memorial service for Burton Atwood Stokes will be held at the Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home in Paso Robles on Saturday, March 11th, 2023, at 11:00 am for those wishing to pay their respect.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate it if you would consider making a donation in honor of Richard to the California FFA Foundation, PO Box 186, Galt, CA 95632-0186; Loaves and Fishes, PO Box 1720, Paso Robles, CA; or to a charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Eddington Funeral Services Chapel, 429 Bassett St. in King City.

For more information, please contact Eddington Funeral Services, 429 Bassett St., King City, (831)385-5400, www.EFS-Cares@yahoo.com

Deaths

LAREY ALAN FIERMAN 73, of Oceano passed away on February 9th 2023

Services are in the care of MarshallSpoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.

JO ANN DUBOIS, 88, of Grover Beach, passed away January 31, 2023.

Arrangements are under the direction of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel.

ALVINO YRACHETA MORENO 67, of Arroyo Grande passed away on February 5th 2023.

Services are in the care of MarshallSpoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.

BRADLEY ROBERT ELLIOTT, 27, of Bradley, passed away on February 10th 2023.

Services are in the care of MarshallSpoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.

ROBIN MARIE BOUSE, 64, of San Luis Obispo passed away on February 9th 2023.

Services are in the care of MarshallSpoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.

MARY JANE KRISELL, 72, of Grover Beach passed away on February 6th 2023.

Services are in the care of MarshallSpoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.

LEE STATOM, 97, of Arroyo Grande, passed away February 18, 2023.

Arrangements are under the direction of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel in Grover Beach.

JUDITH KAY ATWOOD, 80, of Arroyo Grande passed away on February 22, 2023.

Services are in the care of MarshallSpoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.

After a brief battle with cancer, Jerry Bonnifield (age 80), loving

In 1967 he married Shirley Whitener. They were blessed with two children, Deborah family gathering (they were always large and loud) or a Mus tournament, his intense love for life, family, and friends showed through. and Jerry David. Jerry worked for Ennis Business Forms in the Printing Department for 17 years. In his early career, he worked for Farmers Alliance, San Ardo Oil Field, and the Hoffman Ranch. He was fortunate to have been given many opportunities. A proud member of the United States Army with the rank SP4 E-4, he entered into service in 1964 and was honorably discharged in 1966. He was awarded: Marksman (rifle), Good Conduct

Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal. He was a member of the VFW and the American Legion, Post 50.

Jerry was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church, where he sought to serve as an active member throughout his life. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; son, Jerry David, and daughter-in-law Nancy; and grandchildren, Eli, Evelyn, and AJ; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces/nephews, great, great-nieces/nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Louise Bonnifield; daughter, Deborah, and brother Jim Bonnifield.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Baptist Church in Paso Robles - at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 15, 2023. Luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial donations. His favorite charity was, His Healing Hands (1050 Las Tablas, Suite 5, Templeton, California 93465).

SHIRLEY ANN DESMOND, 90, of Arroyo Grande passed away on February 26th 2023.

Services are in the care of MarshallSpoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.