Keller H. Jake Bonds

Keller H.Jake Bonds November 11, 1919 - September 18, 2010 Keller H. Jake Bonds of Waco passed away Saturday, September 18, 2010. Services will be 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 21, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel with the Rev. Carl Freeto officiating. Burial will follow at Valley Mills Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, September 20, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Garden Room. Keller Jake was born November 11, 1919, in Valley Mills, Texas, to Keller and Laura Burns Bonds, Sr. Jake was a member of Central United Methodist Church in Waco. He was a long time employee of Lone Star Gas Company, where he retired as a service supervisor. After retirement, he enjoyed many hours of dominoes over lunch with his former co-workers. Jake had a passion for sports, and football, in particular. He played football at Valley Mills High School and at Weatherford Junior College before going to war. He continued to pursue his love by becoming a football official. Jake began officiating in 1946, before field lights were used and continued until forced to retire in 2009 due to declining health. His last years of service were as the timekeeper at the new Waco ISD stadium. Jake was a life member of both the Southwest Football Officials Association and the Waco Football Officials Association. He served in the Army Air Force during World War II as an aircraft electrical mechanic with the 403rd Bomb Group. He left the service after almost 4 years in Australia, with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Jake was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, the Distinguished Unit Badge GO 7, 403rd Bomb Group, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Gary Bonds; and daughter, Marian Elaine Bonds. He is survived by his wife, Oleene Bordovsky Bonds, of Waco; daughter-in-law, Karen and husband, John W.Hall; grandson, Matthew Bonds; granddaughter, Allison Bonds; and several nieces and nephews. Jake will be remembered for his many years of service to football, the gas company, Brookview and Central United Methodist Churches, many friends, neighbors and most of all – his family. The pallbearers are Matthew Bonds, John W. Hall, Johnny Simpson, Thomas Jurecka, Wendell Bordovsky and Alan Brinkley. The honorary pallbearers are members of the Southwest Football Officials Association. Memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 5740 Bagby Avenue, Waco, TX 76712. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com.