Obituaries

Herman Katz Bonds

Photo of Herman Katz Bonds
Herman Katz (H.K.) Bonds, 100, of Fayetteville, Ark., died Feb. 26, 2013, at the Willard Walker Hospice House in Fayetteville. He was born on Holly Mountain in Van Buren County, Ark., on Aug. 11, 1912. H.K spent the early years of his life helping his father with daily farm chores. He and his sweetheart, Ila Hodge, enjoyed 75 years of marriage. Together they began building businesses, starting with a small store on Holly Mountain. He later worked in the lumber, cattle, grocery, clothing and home-building businesses. Throughout his life H.K. always aided those in need, and remained faithful to his church, family and friends. He was a deacon and member of the First Baptist Church of Clinton. He sang with the Clinton Quartet for many years, performing at well over 1,000 funerals. He also founded a church mission and led singing at numerous churches. H.K. served on the Clinton, Ark., school board, and was a charter board member of the Van Buren County Fair Association. An avid sports fan, H.K. coached baseball and softball for many years. As a coach he molded the lives of numerous young men and women. As a tribute to his life-long love of baseball, H.K. Bonds Field in Graford, Texas, was recently named in his honor. He is survived by his daughter, Wencie Bonds Byrd, of Fort Worth, Texas and his son, Bob L. Bonds (Wilma), of Fayetteville, Ark. grandchildren: Scott Byrd (Leslie) of Arkadelphia, Ark.; Lance Byrd (Lauren) of Fort Worth, Texas, Bart Byrd (Kelly) of Waco, Texas; Marion Bonds and Steven Bonds both of Fayetteville, Ark. Great-grandchildren: Daniel, Lauren, Blakley, Ryland and Margaret Byrd. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ila, his parents, Steven Scott and Dora Belle Bonds, and infant son, H.K. Jr.; Brothers: Roy Jack Bonds, William "Bill" Bonds, and Pete Bonds. Sisters: Effie Huie, Lora Alexander, and Mary Caldwell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pee Dee Cemetery, the American Heart Association, and the Arthritis Foundation, P.O. Box 9280, Washington, D.C., 20090-6280. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, March 7, 2013, at the First Baptist Church of Clinton, Ark., at 6:30 p.m. All are invited to attend. Cremation Arrangements are under the care and direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton, Arkansas. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

Published March 4, 2013

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