Forrest E. Bond

Our beloved Forrest Elwin Bond died peacefully Thursday, February 9, 2017, due to complications from surgery, at the age of 91. Family will meet with friends from 6:30 P.M. to 7:30 PM., Wednesday, February 15, 2017, at Dengel and Son Mortuary. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, February 16, 2017, at the Williamsburg United Methodist Church. Interment Mt. Hope Cemetery, Williamsburg. He was born on January 21, 1926, in Nortonville, Kansas, the son of Leslie Elwin and Rosa Ruth (Stephan) Bond. After graduating from Violet Hill High School in Arkansas, he joined the Army Air Corps, serving during World War II. In 1946, he married Evelyn Rogers and moved to Nortonville, Kansas. From there, they moved to Ottawa in 1947 while Forrest obtained his B.A. from Ottawa University. While in Ottawa, they took on the responsibility of raising four of Forrest's younger siblings. When Forrest accepted a teaching position with the Williamsburg schools, the couple and his two youngest sisters, Lila and Sharon, moved to Williamsburg where Forrest resided until his death. Forrest taught for three years in Rantoul, Kansas, before starting a 35-year career in Williamsburg. During his tenure, he taught junior high math and english, received a masters degree in school administration from the University of Kansas, was elementary school principal and coached junior high sports, retiring in 1988. In 1988, he was inducted into the Kansas Teacher Hall of Fame. Forrest was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn; parents; and sister, Miriam. He is survived by his five siblings, Leland Bond of Anaheim, California, Robert Bond and wife Javan of Cedar Park, Texas, Melvin Bond and wife Melba of Oak Hills, California, Lila Peters of Lawrence, and Sharon Cunningham and husband Jeff of Tacoma, Washington; 21 nieces and nephews; 32 great nieces and nephews; and 23 great-great nieces and nephews. Forrest attended the Williamsburg United Methodist Church and was a very active member of Anchor Lodge 224 of the Masons, Lions Club, and Eastern Star. He was deeply involved in his community, enjoyed travel and family gatherings. Forrest will be lovingly remembered as a Christian teacher, friend and mentor. He will be deeply missed and remain in the hearts and thoughts of his family forever. The family suggests memorial contributions to Williamsburg United Methodist Church or Williamsburg Library c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Forrest's Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com