Arthur Bond

Arthur Thomas Bond, 85, Frostburg, went to his eternal rest with his Lord and Savior on Friday, Sept. 15, at Western Maryland Health System, surrounded by his loving family.

Born April 19, 1932 in Frostburg, Mr. Bond was the son of the late Arthur Bond and Agnes (Foote) Bond. He was preceded in death by his former wife of 48 years, Patricia Bond, a brother, John Bond, a son-in-law, Robert Lee Grimes, a nephew, Sgt. Lenny Scott Youngblood, and niece, Robin Burner.

Arthur graduated Beall High School in 1950, delivering newspapers before and after school, starting in the sixth grade.  He worked at Celanese and then moved with two friends to Detroit to work in the steel industry before entering the United States Air Force. Stationed at Lackland Base in San Antonio, Texas, he served 18 months in Okinawa during the Korean War.  He studied Russian language and received a commendation from General LeMay for his work in communications security.

Returning to Frostburg, he started Bond Home Improvements with his father, selling and installing awnings, doors, and siding. In the late 70s, he then opened Bond Home Center with his two sons. The three were joined by his daughter in 1988.

No stranger to local politics, Arthur served five terms as the mayor of Frostburg and two as a city councilman.  The longest serving Allegany County commissioner, Arthur was elected to four consecutive terms and then later served a fifth term. Among his greatest passions were his love of Allegany County and the people he served.  Instrumental in attracting new employers to the area, Art's leadership was key in bringing Biederlack, Biospherics, Bayliner, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Kreative Plastics, Superfos, Active Network, AES Warrior Run, and Hunter Douglas to the county, as well as helping build five business parks and more than 60,000 square feet of industrial buildings to support new jobs and community water systems.  When he retired from public service in 2011, he stated, "Jobs were always the most important thing I worked for all of the years I have served in elected office."

Concerned with housing and community needs for the youngest and most mature citizens, he supported projects ranging from Head Start and Teen Town to Moran Manor to Frostburg Retirement Village. In his later years, he chaired the Frostburg Elks' annual Derby Day races.

Facing some tough economic times, Arthur well understood the value of every dime spent during his administration. Described as a brilliant, savvy politician by colleagues who gathered to salute his retirement in 2011, he credited his associates in city, county, and state government for collaborating with him to make the region a better place.

He is survived by his three children, Arthur Thomas (Tom) Bond, Jr. and wife, Mary, a daughter, Tami Grimes and friend, Charlie Spiker, and son, Bill Bond, and wife, Carolyn. Arthur also leaves behind five grandchildren, Arthur Thomas Bond III, Bryon Bond, Shanon Lemmert and husband Robbie Lemmert, Brittany Bond and boyfriend Daniel Bible, and Abbey Brodie and husband, Braxten Brodie. He has six great-grandchildren, Halle Bond, JT Hosken, Tess Bond, Isabella Bond, Caelyn Brodie, and Adalyn Brodie. His sisters, Linda Digilarmo and husband Ray, Anne Wehler and husband Louie, and Karen Youngblood also survive him, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and close friends. The family extends gratitude to caregiver, Susan Lucas Biggs.

Arthur was Methodist by faith, a proud 56-year member of Alcoholics Anonymous, as well as the Frostburg Elks Lodge 470, American Legion Farrady Post 24, Cresaptown Eagles 2883, Moose Lodge 348, the VFW Post 6025, and the Cumberland Outdoor Club. He enjoyed attending local coin shows and spending time with his family.

Friends will be received at the Durst Funeral Home, 57 Frost Ave., Frostburg, on Saturday, September 16, 2017 from 6 to 8 pm, Sunday, September 17, 2017 from 1 to 5 pm.

Military honors will be accorded by Farrady Post 24 American Legion Honor Guard.

A funeral service will be conducted at the funeral home on Monday, September 18, 2017 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Joe Penick officiating. Friends will be received at the funeral home one hour prior to the services.

Interment will be at Frostburg Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Braxten Brodie, Daniel Bible, Charlie Spiker, Tom Bond, Robbie Lemmert, Bryon Bond.

The family requests that memorials take the form of donations to Alzheimer Association, 1850 York Road, Suite D, Timonium, MD 21093.

Words of comfort may be sent to the family following the obituary at www.durstfuneralhome.com.