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Kenneth Bounds Obituary



BOUNDS KENNETH LYLE BOUNDS Of Springfield, VA passed away on June 11, 2010 at Fairfax Hospital at the age of 85 after a brief illness. Mr. Bounds is a native of Kansas City, MO and had lived in the Springfield, VA area since 1962. Mr. Bounds is a graduate of the University of Missouri where he was a four sport letterman in football, basketball, track and baseball. He was on the Missouri Football team that participated in two Gator Bowls and made a touchdown catch in the 1949 Gator Bowl. Like many of his generation, his college career was interrupted by WWII and he served in the Pacific as a United States Marine and saw combat action on Guam and Okinawa and was a recipient of the Purple Heart. Following WWII, he served a brief stint as a 2nd LT in the U.S. Army Reserve. Mr. Bounds went on to become a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He taught firearms and defensive tactics at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA, where he trained the first female Special Agents in the FBI. Furthermore, he served in many capacities as a Special Agent working Bank Robberies, Kidnappings, and, during his time working Civil Rights; he served a major role in the security detail that brought James Earl Ray, who assassinated Martin Luther King, Jr., back to Memphis, TN for trial. Upon retiring from the FBI, Mr. Bounds served as the Head of Security at The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV for five and a half years. He returned to Springfield, VA in 1980 where he generously volunteered his time working with local charitable organizations and in recognition of his efforts he received the Governor''s Volunteerism and Community Service Award from Governor Wilder. He was also earned a Lifetime Membership in the PTA for his lengthy service at West Springfield High School. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Jean Bounds, and five children and 15 grandchildren. Son Dennis Lyle Bounds (Seattle, WA) and his wife, Debra Angeline Bounds and their three children, Timothy Lyle Bounds, Angeline Kathleen Bounds, and Steven Michael Bounds. Daughter Lissa Ann Monroe (Little Rock, AK) and her husband, Steven Colmore Monroe and their four children, Michael Colmore Monroe and his wife Kaci Brown Monroe, Mathew Kenneth Monroe, Mark Samuel Monroe, and Miles Joshua Monroe. Son John Bedell Bounds (Thousand Oaks, CA) and his wife, Deborah Lee Bounds and their two children, Joshua Ryan Bounds and Christopher James Bounds; Daughter Kathryn Bounds Arbia (Springfield, VA) and her husband, Nick Arbia and their two children, Angela Jean Arbia and Nicholas Joseph Arbia. Son James Kenneth Bounds (Warrenton, VA) and his wife, Patricia Berg Bounds and their four children, Daniel James Bounds, Kelly Kristine Bounds, Samantha Jean Bounds and John Elliott Bounds. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, July 23, 2010 at 11 a.m. at St. Bernadette Parish in Springfield, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Special Olympics Washington, where grandson Timothy has competed over the years, via online at www.sowa.org or by mail to: Special Olympics Washington, 2150 N. 107th St., Suite 220, Seattle, WA 98133

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Jun. 23, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Bounds

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Carol Southerland

June 17, 2025

I remember Kenny due to living with his aunt Grace Davis, my grandmother. Hugh and Kenny were always thoughtful by visiting whenever in town. His mother Gladys died while he was in the S. Pacific, He and my mother Mildred stayed close until her passing in 95 and my aunt Marge and uncle Glenn were also in the Navy the same time as Kenny. He was a Giant in our eyes and we were very proud of him. 2nd cousin Carol Southerland

July 22, 2010

Mr Bounds was a great man who I first met at one of WSHS's basketball games. He apparently loved sports, I never attended a basketball game that he wasnt there working the crowd. He like to watch from under the BB hoops and keep people from walking through at the wrong time. Recently through his Illness I Got to spend some time with him in prayer. He was and will always be special in my heart and memories. May your family be Blessed! Paul Lof

Jody Dodson

July 20, 2010

Although Mr. Bounds will be greatly missed, I hope all who knew him will celebrate his very full, successful and accomplished life! His children will live up to the high standards he set by example and the love and guidance he gave them. I hope his loved ones have peace in their hearts and know that they are better people for knowing such a great man.

Cherry Tolleson Friesen

July 20, 2010

My condolences to the whole family. I've known Lissa for about 27 years. She has always been such a blessing, full of love, kindness and laughter. I know Mr. Bounds had to be very special too! May God comfort each of you. May you remember often the rich legacy Mr. Bounds left to all of you.

Donna Joy Holler

July 9, 2010

I would like to express my sincere condolences to all of you . I grew up learning about Uncle Kenny from his brother, my dad. Please know my thoughts and Prayers are with you all. May God Bless you and give you the strength you need at this time. He was a remarkable man as is Aunt Shirley a remarkable woman and they were so perfect together. God be with you all, Love, Joy (Bounds) Holler

Debby Bounds Easum

July 7, 2010

Uncle Kenny was the epitome of the "world being a better place because he was in it". I always felt good just knowing he was there. He was one of the nicest, most welcoming people you could ever know and always had a big smile and a warm hug to share. I see his smile and his warm greetings in all of his family - he was infectious. When travelling to DC, I tried to always find time to visit with him and Shirley. He would drive us around to museums and sometimes just wait in the car while Shirley toured around with us. I will always love him and miss him and be grateful he was with us as long as he was.

July 6, 2010

This is what I will always remember about Ken Bounds: very tall, handsome, athletic, great father and adopted father to neighbor kids (that would include the large Bugas family), great at cooking (maybe he was just good on the grill, I can't really remember), good listener, loving husband (married the love of his life and treated her as such) and a beautiful, smile. One of the biggest men I ever knew, he was a true gentle giant. Ken's laugh was infectious and his smiling demeanor never failed to draw everyone to him. Certainly that was the case for all 9 members of the Bugas family. When our family moved to Dabney Court, our parents immediately became fast and true friends with Ken and Shirley . The rest of the Bugas family followed their lead, resulting in strong bonds and friendships that have lasted for 45 years.
Ken lives on--you can see Ken's sweet personality and kind heart in every one of his children. We were blessed to have known him but, doubly so, to grow up under his loving watch.
Nancy Bugas DelPresto (Pittsburgh, PA)

Carla Perkins

June 23, 2010

Ken Bounds was the most amazing man I have ever known. He was generous, loving, and so proud of his family. His devotion to Shirley was an example to us all. Kenny was the eternal optimist - his glass was always half full. I will miss him terribly, but am comforted knowing he is at peace. Love to the all the family.

Angeline Bounds

June 23, 2010

You were the most amazing man, Grandpa. You accomplished so much in your life time and truly were a man to look up to and admire. From your amazing tacos to your facinating stories of all the unbelievable things you did in your life, you will truly be forever missed. We love you and will never forget you. You will ALWAYS be in our hearts.

Julie Mouganis

June 23, 2010

Mr. Bounds was a great man and I feel quite blessed to have shared time with him. He will never be gone from our lives because everything about him is so special and memorable.

Larry Arnold

June 23, 2010

Kenneth Bounds, a part of the "Greatest Generation", stood head and shoulders above most of his contemporaries both in statue and in service and dedication to his family and to his country. His life was full and his willingness to give of himself was immense. The world is indeed a better place because Kenneth Bounds was here and he will be missed.

Gayle Gustafson

June 23, 2010

What an amazing man! It is sad that our world has lost such a fine citizen, soldier, athlete, patriot, and family man such as this, but what a joy that Heaven has gained him, due to his deep faith in Christ's work on the cross. I give my deepest regards to the family, who I know will honor his name with their lives. Many prayers and much love to all of his family and friends who are saddened at this time of loss.

Lissa Bounds Monroe

June 23, 2010

My dad was truly "larger than life". He was the best reflection of a man who put others first and believed that everyone had something special about them. He had a "twinkle" in his eye when he walked into a room and a smile that instantly made you feel better. He loved like Jesus loved - without any judgement. He was my hero, my encourager, my protector and the one person who always believed that I could do anything I put my mind too. His heart was so tender, and I was blessed with a father that adored his wife, my mom, more and more every day. He was brave, strong, funny and just plain pleasant to be around all the time. He made a difference in the lives of every person he met. We are all better people today because of knowing my dad, Kenny Bounds. HIs memory will live in our hearts forever.

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