John Leonard LaBonte

John Leonard LaBonte, 87, of Warsaw, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2023, at his home in Warsaw.

John was born on October 26, 1935, in Warsaw, Illinois, the son of Elmer and Hazel (Mathes) LaBonte. He was united in marriage to Judy Scott in Fairfield, Iowa, on March 12, 1956. They were later divorced. On June 30, 1979, he was united in marriage to Helen Alice LaBonte at Trinity United Methodist Church in Warsaw. She preceded him in death on March 29, 2022.

John was employed at factories in Keokuk throughout his working career, retiring from Champion International. He also farmed on the side throughout the years. John was known as a hard worker and did odd jobs throughout Warsaw in his younger years, such as painting buildings. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening, mowing and dancing in his younger years. John was an active member of his community, and moved bandstands to main street for dances.

John is survived by one son: Scott (Barbara Winestock-LaBonte) LaBonte of Santa Rosa, California; two daughters: Ellen LaBonte of Yuma, Arizona, and Nancy (Ken) Rose of Buena Vista, Colorado; two step-daughters: Sandy Johnson of Keokuk, Iowa, and Cheryl Johnson of Warsaw; two step-sons: Bill (Sherry) Johnson of Keokuk, Iowa, and Joe (Rose) Johnson of Bloomfield, Iowa; two brothers: Carroll (Mary Kay Woolson) LaBonte and Rod (Barb) LaBonte, both of Warsaw; one sister Maxine LaBonte of Burlington, Iowa; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

John is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Helen, his brother Terry LaBonte and his step-son Johnny.

Funeral Services will be held at 12 pm (noon) on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Printy Funeral Home in Warsaw, with burial to follow at Oakland Cemetery in Warsaw. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm (noon) at Printy Funeral Home in Warsaw directly before the service.

Memorials may be directed to ASPCA Animal Rescue (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®).

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