Hayden Drake Bonta

Hayden Drake Bonta, 17, of Ocean Springs, MS passed away on Friday, December 29, 2023.

Hayden is preceded in death by his grandparents, Luray and Bernice Gasaway; aunt, Connie Gieger Windham; cousin, Jessica Windham; and uncle, Aaron Asher.

Survivors include his parents, Troy and Angela Bonta; grandparents, Wilford and Jane Gieger; sisters, Marissa Brooke Bonta (Big Sis) and Ashlynn Reese Bonta (Little Sis); and loving dog, Harriet.

Hayden was full of life and like his Dad, had a love of nature and enjoyed fishing, hunting and welding.  He also enjoyed playing Lacrosse with friends and was proud to be a two-time State Champion team player.  He was “all boy” according to Nan Nan and Pawpaw.  Marissa remembers “Bubba or Bubbs” as wild and funny.  Ashlynn recently read his own words of describing himself as a leader. His Mom knows all too well the fragility of life and spent time living in the moment with Hayden.  His loving parents created space for him to live life to the fullest, be true to himself, be generous to others and share his heart.  Hay Hay will forever be his Mama’s Baby and her heart. 

Through the love and guidance of his family and church, Hayden was transformed into a God loving, confident and mature young man who loved the Lord and his family and friends.  Hayden began his journey as a Christian when he made a profession of faith and was “babatized” at First Baptist Church by Pastor Mike Barnett in 2015.  He recently continued his spiritual journey while attending Mosaic Church.  He spent his last days pouring his heart into the lives of so many around him through inspirational messages and the gift of life as an organ donor.  His favorite scripture verse was Psalm 28:7. “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and he helps me.  My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.”  Many of his friends and family can still hear his words “Come on”.

Funeral Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Ocean Springs on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 11:00 am. Friends may visit from 9:00 am until service time. Hayden will be laid to rest in Geiger Family Cemetery in Collins, MS.

Pallbearers will include, Damien McDunn, Korbin Lewis, Brodie Vinson, Kaiden Wade, Jacob Prince, and Caleb Little.

Honorary Pallbearers will be, DJ Stapp, Hunter Guillotte, Jack Horton, Taylor Lowery, and Tyler Henry

The family would like to say a special thank you to pastors, Dr. Mike Barnett and Brandon Connor, the many family members and friends and the tremendous outpouring of the community. 

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Hayden Drake Bonta.