Alvin Leon Bonds
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Alvin Leon Bonds, 94, of Winchester passed away peacefully at his home on January 6, 2022. Al was born April 13, 1927, to Roey and Lena (Prewitt) Bonds in Seminole, Oklahoma and raised in Porterville, California when the family migrated as part of the Grapes of Wrath movement west. Al retired from I.B.M. management after 32 years, following college and his honorable service in the Army Signal Corp., achieving the rank of Captain.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo (Graham) Bonds, of 51 years, and his stepsons: Tom (Gladys) Stephenson of Wilmington, OH; Ben (Brenda) Stephenson of Ft. Worth, TX; Scott Stephenson of Winchester; and Stuart (Gail) Stephenson of Manassas, VA; and a brother, Jerry (Norma) Bonds, of Valley Springs, CA. He was the beloved Pawdaddy to eight grandkids: Jesse, Sam, Karen, Amanda, Rebecca, William, Daniel, Michael, Haliey; four great-grandkids: Selah, Abby, Anna Marie, Brein. Also, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings Ray, Doris, Ainsley, Essie, Herb, and Hugh.
Al loved people, conversation, spinning tales, good coffee, his three-legged cat Pumpkin, politics, and community service providing leadership to the local G.O.P., Civitan, Clark County Drug Coalition, Bluegrass Heritage Museum, and Habitat for Humanity. He and Mary Jo traveled extensively throughout the U.S. Al loved God and served him through the many churches he affiliated with in his life. Most notably was his and Mary Jo's participation in the Cursillo movement and Kairos prison ministry. He was an avid golfer for many years and a lover of music having played trumpet and guitar in many bands and combos, as well as singing in church choirs, barbershop quartets, and his comfy chair (even when half asleep). A good day was spent watching his beloved San Francisco 49'ers or a good John Wayne western. The family is grateful for all the generous support from friends in the community.
A celebration of Al's life will take place on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at 11:00 am at First Christian Church of Winchester,Rev. Dr. Jerry Johns officiating. Visitation from 10 am till the hour of service. Interment will follow in the Winchester Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Salvation Army, or a charity of choice. The family is being served by Rolan G. Taylor Funeral Home.