In Loving Memory of
Sgt. Cornelius Edward Bonds, Sr
“Corn”
Cornelius Edward Bonds, Sr. embarked upon life’s journey January 6, 1951, in the city of Corpus Christi, Texas to the (Late) James Bonds and Rosie Lee (Hastings) Bonds. Cornelius, known to many as “Corn,” was called to glory on Monday, the 24th of May 2021.
Cornelius was baptized in Jesus name at the early age of 10 and later accepted the salvation of Jesus Christ under the Pastoral guidance of his grandfather the (late) Bishop M. H. Bonds at the Bethel Temple Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. Cornelius grew up in the church attending Sunday School, Youth meetings, and Worship services. During this time, he developed a love to play the guitar. His grandfather, the late Bishop Bonds, and the (late) Elder Earl Dixon taught Cornelius the skill of playing the guitar. Soon he became the guitarist in the church and served for many years and was instrumental in all praise and worship services. One could always hear his guitar flaring in expert rhythm and unison during church services.
In Corpus Christi, Texas, Cornelius attended Carver Elementary School, and Cunningham Middle School. Initially, he attended Roy Miller High School and subsequently graduated from Foy H. Moody High School in 1969. While at Miller he was a stellar track and field athlete and excelled in the 50- and 100-yard dashes, and high jump.
Corn has always been the life of the party, before you saw Cornelius, you could always hear him. He was a fierce competitor in the games of Dominoes and Bid Wiz. You could hear those dominoes (aka rocks) slammed on the table; at which time everyone knew he was dominating the game. He was also a skilled Chess player, and an avid fan of the Baltimore Ravens. He will always be remembered for his “Sunday discussions” about his Ravens, of how they were playing on the gridiron, whether they were winning or losing. Corn loved talking and watching professional football. He was also a huge fan of the San Antonio Spurs. He was a connoisseur of World and National News and he was heavy into politics. Talking to Corn, one would think he was running for public office. Cornelius loved to work with his hands; and was considered a jack of all trades. To sum up his skillful talents, he was a competitor, sports enthusiast, political buff, mechanic, electrician, builder, carpenter, and a decorator, and the list could go on.
Cornelius was united in marriage to Gwen Rose, to this union they were blessed with two children. Later, he was married to Desiree White and to this union they were also blessed with two children.
Sgt. Cornelius Edward Bonds Sr. gave the United States Air Force (AF) and Civil Service a total of 42 years of honorable service. He enlisted in the AF in 1971 and separated in 1984. His military journey allowed him to travel globally. During this time, Sgt. Bonds Sr. received several awards, medals, and certificates. In 1984, Sgt. Bonds Sr. received an Honorable discharge and transitioned into the Civil Service in 1988, where he worked at Kelly Air Force Base (AFB) in San Antonio, Texas. Due to the closure of Kelly (AFB), Sgt. Bonds Sr. was transferred to Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City. In July of 2000, Sgt. Bonds Sr. transferred to Lackland (AFB) in San Antonio, Texas. In July of 2006, Sgt. Bonds Sr. transferred to the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station (NAS) until he retired in 2015.
Sgt. Cornelius Edward Bonds Sr. is preceded in death by his father, Mr. James Bonds 007. He leaves to celebrate and cherish his life: his Mother: Ms. Rosie Bonds, four children: Army Major (Ret) Cornelius Edward Bonds Jr. (Spouse) of San Antonio, Texas; Ms. Tenesha Bonds of Keene, New Hampshire; Ms. Sasha Bonds of Houston, Texas, and Mr. Serlo Bonds of Victoria, Texas; two sisters: Ms. Evelyn B. McIntyre of Stockbridge, GA; and Ms. Cheryl Yvonne Hubbard of San Antonio, TX; three brothers: Mr. Lonnie Jones (Shirley) of Killeen, TX; Mr. Darryl Cornell Bonds of Corpus Christi, TX; and USN LT (Ret) Dr. James Curtis Bonds (Regina) of Virginia Beach, VA; grandchildren (8), great-grandchild (1); (1) Uncle: Mr. Daniel Hastings (Lorraine) of San Antonio, Texas; (1) Aunt: Ms. Nora Shaw of Austin, Texas, and numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, June 10, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Corpus Christi Funeral Home.
A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, June 11, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Corpus Christi Funeral Home.
Officiating, Elder Robert Jones
Eulogist, Elder El Freddie Lee
Interment will follow at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery.