Robert Tee Clarence Bonds Sr.

We thank God for the life of Robert Clarence Bonds, Sr. who was affectionately known as “Tee”. He was born Robert Clarence Bonds, Sr., on October 8, 1940 in Kingsburg, Texas. He attended Roosevelt Elementary School and Ball High School. Robert accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age. He attended regularly services at New Birth Baptist Church with his grandfather. There he learned to love and praise the Lord. Robert enlisted in the United States Army and after leaving the Army he worked many years as a Brick Layer with his father in Lubbock, Texas.

Robert married his childhood sweetheart Patsy Pearson of 50 years, on June 16, 1962. From this union one son was born, Robert Bonds, Jr. In January 1968 Robert, his wife and son moved to Milpitas, California. He joined Lewis Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. His devotion and commitment to his Savior Jesus Christ was evidenced by his devoted service as an usher, trustee, and choir member. His most significant work for the church was installing the bricks on the church’s sign. He had learned the trade when he worked as a Brick Layer in Lubbock, Texas. Robert was employed with Boise Cascade Paper Products in Sunnyvale, California for several years. After his retirement from Boise Cascade, Robert was employed by Milpitas Unified School District as a Crossing Guard at Curtner Elementary School, until he became ill. Robert loved his job as a crossing guard, and was very fond of meeting and greeting the children. They always showed him with gifts and treats on special occasions.

Robert was a friendly and outgoing person. He was a friend to everyone he met, especially children. He loved them and they loved to be in his presence. Robert took time to serve as a 4H Leader. His love for animals and outdoor activities was evident as he trained and taught young people to love and care for the animals. He took several youth horseback riding and taught them to love and respect all animals, including horses, goats, cows and sheep. Robert had his own horse named “Pretty Girl”. He won 1st place with his championship steer at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. He shared a ranch in the Calaveras Hills. On several occasions Robert brought his horse to Lewis Memorial Church for the kids to ride and he also brought other animals to appear in a nativity scene. Robert also loved fishing and shooting pool.

Robert went on to glory October 28, 2012 at his family home. He leaves to cherish his memory: his lovely and beautiful wife Patsy Bonds; son Robert Bonds, Jr.,(Sandra) Milpitas, California; four grandchildren: Jennifer Michalla Stevens-Walcoff (Forest)Renton, Washington; Donny Ray Bonds, San Jose, California; Derek Joseph Bonds (Jennifer), Lemoore, California; Gracelizabeth Rosalie Bonds, Milpitas, California; four great grandchildren: Phoebe Joy Walcoff, Sophia Lou Walcoff, Jaelynn Nicole Bonds and Jayda Jordan Bonds; and his loving mother, Ruby Lee Harris, San Antonio, Texas; three sisters; Sharon Evans (Don) , Shreveport, Louisiana; and Dorothy Nell Lee, San Antonio, Texas; Bertha Jean Miller(George), Oak Harbor, Washington; three brothers; Woody Bonds, (Blanch) Kansas City, Missouri; Larry Bonds, (Shirley) Lubbock, Texas and Freddie Bonds, Jr., San Antonio, Texas, four uncles George Harris, San Antonio, Texas; Arland Harris (Glenda), Amarillo, Texas; James Harris, Lubbock, Texas; Joy Bonds (Ruby), Seguin, Texas; one aunt Sallie Ann Todd, San Antonio, Texas; two godsons Toure Edward Williams and Ramon D’Angelo McPherson; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Robert was preceded in death by his father Freddie Melvin Bonds, Sr., two sisters: Ruby Nell Hardaway, Brenda Walker; one brother, Donnie Bonds and brother-in-law Allen Lee. We thank God for the life of Robert Clarence Bonds, Sr.