Donald Wayne Bond

Donald W. Bond, 83, Topeka, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2019 at Midland Hospice House surrounded by his wife and sister after a long illness.

Don was born April 18, 1936, the son of Richard J. Bond and Delsie L. (Newby) Bond in Stafford, KS and became an older brother to his sister, Patricia (Bond) Titus. He grew up in Stafford and attended school there through high school. He was always proud that he earned his Eagle Scout. But he also quickly learned that if he wanted to participate in all the sports, he had to attend class. He enjoyed playing high school football, basketball and he did pole vault and ran relays in Spring track. He lettered in all three sports. In Summer, he spent a lot of time at the Stafford swimming pool and excelled at diving and swimming. He was an excellent diver.

After high school he began college at Emporia State Teachers College in Emporia, KS. He took time out of college to join the U.S. Marines for four years. After his discharge, he returned to Emporia State Teachers College and earned a Business Degree.

At College, he meet his wife, Marilyn Sue Moore. They were married in Emporia on February 15, 1963. Upon graduation the couple moved to Topeka.

Don went to work for the Kansas Insurance Commissioner and he worked there for 38 years. After his retirement, he went to work for Blue Cross and Blue Shield. He worked there for eight years before retiring for good. He said, "Retirement is the best job I ever had."

He was a good father to daughter, Kari Lynn and was proud of her. He enjoyed attending sporting events with his son-in-law, Norman. His two grandsons, William and Wesley Valentine, were an important part of his life. He enjoyed watching them grow up and being a big part of their activities. He was able to see both of them graduate from high school.

Don and Marilyn enjoyed traveling in the U.S. and on cruises. They especially liked traveling abroad with family and friends to countries such as England, Scotland, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Monte Carlo, Morocco and Turkey and learned about all the different cultures and customs. In recent years, they enjoyed time in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with Joyce and Gary Morfitt (Marilyn's sister and her husband).

Don also was a gardener and enjoyed working in the yard and growing beautiful flowers and vegetables. Winter was hard on him as he couldn't be outside puttering around the yard.

He was a kind and tenderhearted man who loved his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years; daughter, Kari Lynn (Norm) Valentine, Kansas City, MO; grandsons, William Bond, Wesley Grant Valentine; and sister, Patricia (Lee) Titus.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 21, 2019 at Dove Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier circle, Topeka, KS 66606.

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