Clyde Otis Bond, 100 years young, died early Thursday morning, December 22 at his home in Riverton. His Hospice nurse, Julie, daughter Linda, granddaughter Shelly and great granddaughter Autumn were attending him. Born October 27, 1922, at his grandparents’ home in rural Riverton, Clyde was the son of Clarence J. Bond and Grace Mae Evans Bond. They preceded him in death. Clyde was also preceded in death by his wife, July 9, 2015, a son, Allan Bond, daughter, Liana Pitchford, brother, Ed Bond and son-inlaw Glenn Stark.
Clyde grew up and attended school in Riverton and graduated from Riverton High School in May 1941. While in school he was very active in and excelled in all sports. Clyde was a PFC in the United States Army from October 17, 1942 thru February 15, 1946 serving as a radio operator on B-29 bomber planes. He received the ATO Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. Clyde returned home to Riverton where he lived the rest of his life.
Clyde and Esther Miller were united in marriage January 26, 1947, at Joplin, Missouri. They had 68 years together. Their love and faithfulness to each other was beautiful.
Clyde was a machinist for Peerless, Vickers and Teledyne. He retired from Teledyne in 1984. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was always very active. He loved to play golf and received many trophies for it. Clyde supported the Riverton Rams all his life. He was a member of Lawton Baptist Church of Lawton.
Clyde is survived by children, Linda Stark, of Riverton, Roxie Ward (Dave) of Diamond, Missouri and Mike Bond (Lynn), of Texarkana, Texas. Twelve grandchildren and many, many great grandchildren also survive.
Visitation will be Thursday, December 29 at 12 noon with the service to follow at 1 p.m. at Baxter Derfelt Chapel in Baxter Springs. The Reverend Audie Tash will officiate Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Derfelt funeral Home, Baxter Chapel.