John Thomas Bond

John Thomas Bond, a resident of Farmington, Arkansas, went home to walk with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, while at the Willard Walker Hospice House in Fayetteville, Arkansas on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. John, age 92, was born on August 30, 1932 near the Bug Scuffle Community in Southern Washington County. He was the son of William Thompson and Lydia Florence Pannell Bond.
As a teenager, following the death of his father, John and his family moved to Jal, New Mexico in search of work. While in Jal, not only did he find work, but he met the love of his life, June Messimer while she was playing the piano at a church service that he attended. John was 17 and June was 14 when they met. Johnny and June were married on June 2, 1956 in Jal, New Mexico.
At 18 years of age, John began working for the El Paso Natural Gas Company in Jal. Beginning as a common laborer and electrician's apprentice, John retired as the Superintendent for Electrical and Technology Division for the Permian Basin Region. He retired after 37 years of service to the company while living in Shamrock, Texas. Shortly after his retirement from El Paso, John began working for the CWF Energy Company and was transferred to Fort Smith and built his home in Natural Dam, Arkansas. This was a move that brought him back to the place that he called home.
John proudly served his country, as a member of the United States Navy. He was a Korean War Veteran and was stationed at the Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan for two years. During his time serving, he continued his training as an electrician. John also sailed on the USS Toledo and assisted with the installation and launching of the Regulus missile. He enjoyed randomly speaking to his grandkids or a waiter at a restaurant in Japanese.
John loved his family, was an active member in church, and enjoyed building houses and restoring old cars. He had the ability to repair just about anything.
He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers: Joe, Troy, Willie, Jasper and Roy; and four sisters: Katy Bond, Eula Elmore, Euel Earl (Sis) Messimer and Francis Cody.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, June Bond; two sons: Thomas Lynn Bond and wife Patti Bond of Dixon, Illinois; Ron Bond and wife Carla Bond of Farmington. Five grandchildren: Colin Bond and Wife Alicia of Dixon, Illinois; Kel Bond and Wife Courtney of Sterling, Illinois; Jon Bond and wife Ginny of Belmont, North Carolina; Mandy Dobbs and Husband Toby Dobbs of Farmington; Michael Bond and April Williams of Fayetteville and Lincoln. Seven Great-Grandchildren: Ethan Bond, Harlow Bond, Aubrie Bond, Greer Bond, Emmett Bond, Iggy Bond and Thomas Dobbs.
John is also leaving behind numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. There will be a graveside service to celebrate John's life and visit with family and friends on Thursday, September 4, 2025 - 2:00 P.M. at Hall Cemetery in Natural Dam, Arkansas - (15126 AR Hwy. 59, Natural Dam, Arkansas 72948).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels, 340 W Main St. Farmington, Arkansas.