Arthur Bonds

Arthur Howell Bonds died January 14, 2019, at the age of 94. He was born February 24, 1924, in Lepanto, Arkansas. His parents were Howard Talmadge (H.T.) Bonds, Sr. and Eula Vick Bonds. He grew up in Lepanto and Bondsville, Arkansas. He graduated from Gulf Coast Military Academy in Gulfport, Mississippi. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy, working at MIT in Boston on research and development of radar systems. After the war, he completed his college studies and graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1948. He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. Following graduation, he returned to Bondsville, where he worked as a farmer and cotton ginner, first with his father, then with his brothers, and later with his sons. He enjoyed working at the farm with his family and many dedicated employees, and he remained actively involved in farming operations until his retirement in 2010. He was married to Gwendolyn Haberstroh in 1957, and they were married for 61 years. He was a leader in the community, serving on the Lepanto School Board and the Mississippi County Electric Cooperative board of directors for many years. He liked being outdoors, often taking long walks around the farm and spending many days on the golf course. He and Gwendolyn enjoyed traveling, including trips to Hawaii and Alaska. They and their family felt fortunate to have shared their lives with the people in Bondsville and surrounding communities, and they appreciated their friendship through the years. He is survived by his sons Gregory V. Bonds and Jeffrey B. Bonds of Lepanto, Arkansas, step-son Paul Haberstroh (Margaret) of Walls, Mississippi, grandchildren Chris Haberstroh, Chad Haberstroh, Katie Bonds Richmond, Brooke Bonds, Sophie Bonds, Brad Glover, Emily Glover, Lauren Baker Kinder, and Devin Howington; and 21 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Gwendolyn, brothers Howard T. Bonds, Jr., Bryan M. Bonds, K. Mitchell Bonds, Sr., and grandson Chase Haberstroh. Interment will be private. Memorials may be made to East Poinsett County School District, c/o Superintendent Mickey Pierce, 502 McClellan Avenue, Lepanto, Arkansas.