Bryan Moffatt Bonds

Mr. Bryan Moffatt Bonds died Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012, at the age of 86. He was born Nov. 17, 1925, in Lepanto. His parents were Howard T. Bonds Sr., and Eula Vick Bonds. He grew up in Lepanto and Bondsville.

He graduated from Gulf Coast Military Academy in Gulfport, Miss., as valedictorian of the class of 1943. He served as a radio technician in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He graduated in 1948 from the University of Arkansas, where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.

He married his college sweetheart, Kathleen "Kitty" Karns, on June 27, 1948. Following their marriage, he worked as a chemist for Sinclair Oil Company in Tulsa, Okla., for a year and a half before returning to Bondsville to farm with his brothers and father.

He farmed for 40 years before retiring in 1990. He was a board member and past president of Mississippi County Farm Bureau and Mississippi County 4-H Foundation, a member of American Legion and VFW, and a member of First United Methodist Church in Osceola, where he was a member of the Men's Fellowship Sunday School class for many years.

He was a devoted husband and father. He was loved by everyone for his quiet manner and easygoing nature, along with his "million dollar smile." He was a true Southern gentleman to all he met.

He and Kitty enjoyed traveling and visited many wonderful places, including England, Canada, Asia and Ireland. He was an avid pilot and shared his love of flying with his son, Steve. They also enjoyed playing golf and trout fishing together in Heber Springs and on trips to Canada. He was a very loving grandfather to his only grandchild, Laura, and they shared many special times through the years.

He was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Howard T. Bonds Jr. and K. Mitchell Bonds Sr.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Kathleen Bonds of Osceola;

His son, Steve Bonds, daughter-in-law Barbara Bonds, and granddaughter Laura Jane Bonds, of North Little Rock; and

One brother, Arthur Bonds.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Osceola at 1 p.m. Saturday. Visitation will be held at the church at noon prior to the service. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital or to your favorite charity. You may sign the online guest book at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com