Former Sullivan Chamber of Commerce Director Jackie Bono Passes At Age 76

On September 1, 1993, Sullivan Chamber of Commerce of Commerce President Ken Reeves announced that Jacqueline E. Bono, was selected after an extensive search to become the Chamber’s new Executive Director, succeeding former Director Sandy Koppelman.

On Tuesday, September 14, 2021 Jacqueline E. Bono, 76, Sullivan passed away at Missouri Baptist Hospital, St. Louis.

Bono and her late husband, Bob Bono, had moved to Sullivan in April of 1992, but before arriving in Sullivan, Bono had served as the Executive Director of the Industrial Development Authority of Monroe County, Missouri. Prior to that she was employed by  Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments as a Grant Officer.

Bono served as Executive Director from 1993-1995.

In an article that appeared in the Sullivan Independent News in the September 8, 1993 edition, Reeves stated, “We are really excited about Jackie’s appointment. This is a wonderful area and we have much to sell.”

Reeves went on to say, “Jackie’s appointment is critical to our fulfilling these visions. We are confident that she will guide us to a future of continued and accelerated prosperity while retaining the character which makes the Sullivan area such a nice place to live and work.”

Bono did just that leading the Sullivan Chamber of Commerce for more than two and a half years before moving on to work with the Bank of Sullivan, now Sullivan Bank, as well as work a short time at Sullivan Independent News.

“Jackie and her late husband Bob loved our community, loved Sullivan Golf Course and planted roots in Sullivan purchasing a home they resided in until both passed away,” said James Bartle, Publisher/Editor Sullivan Independent News. “It was a pleasure working with Jackie not only during her time with the Sullivan Chamber of Commerce but also during her time with Bank of Sullivan and our publication. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.”

Mass for Jacqueline E. Bono will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Thursday, with visitation from 10 a.m. until time of service.

All arrangements are under the care of Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan.

Bono is survived by six children, 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; one brother and four sisters.