Submitted by: Dan Rich

Hiram A. Bonds

June 29, 1940 - Dec. 24, 2001

South Bend Tribune 12/28/2001

Hiram A. "Ernie" Bonds, 61, of South Bend, Ind., succumbed to his death at 8:05 a.m. Monday, Dec. 24, in the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center. Hiram was born June 29, 1940, in Kosiusko, Miss., the son of James H. and Jessie Pearl Bonds, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Fannie Grant; two brothers, George W. Barnes and Willie M. Barnes; two sons, Shannon DeArmond Bonds and Maurice Johnson Bonds; and by a grandson, Eric Colter.

Hiram graduated from Washington High School in June 1958. He enlisted in the United States Army, Sept. 2, 1962, and was honorably discharged on Sept. 5, 1966. After working various jobs, Hiram joined the South Bend Police Department in 1967. After serving 25 years on the force, Hiram retired and worked for M.L. King Center, Ameritech, and finally Saint Joseph Regional M edical Center as a security guard.

Hiram leaves behind to cherish his memories his significant love, Bettie "BJ" Jackson; an aunt, Helen Bowens; four sisters, Ann Doris Smith of Detroit, Mich., Gloria (Dean) Williams of Detroit, Carol Bonds of Las Vegas, Nev., and June Bonds of South Bend; three brothers, Rickey (Phyllis) Bonds of South Bend, Tommy Bonds of South Bend and Terry (Paulette) Bonds of Philadelphia, Pa.; seven daughters, Leslie DeArmond Bonds of South Bend, Colette Ginelle Bonds of Missouri, Janet Bonds of Flint, Mich., Sarah (Arthur) Vinson of Flint, Ramona (Phillip) Parrish of Flint, Venita Colter of Dayton, Ohio, and Colette (Michael) Miller of Georgia; two sons, Travis Bonds of Louisiana and Hiram (Tangi) Bonds of Missouri; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Services for Mr. Hiram A. Bonds will be held at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, in the Clark-O'Neal Funeral Home, 1032 W. Washington Street, South Bend, where friends may call one hour before services. Burial will follow services at Riverview Cemetery, South Bend.

The Clark-O'Neal Funeral Home has been entrusted with services.