Odis Donald Bonds

Odis Donald Bonds was born in Saint Louis, Missouri on August 1, 1948 to the union of Odell David Bonds, Sr. and Elizabeth Marie Bonds (Huddleston). He arrived fifteen minutes before his identical Twin, Odell David Bonds, Jr. Odis was the middle of five children. Louis Bonds the eldest followed by “Lil Big Sis”, Harriet Tillman, third blessing, Odis with twin brother, Odell in toe, last and never forgotten, James Bonds. After the separation of Odell Sr. and Marie Bonds, the twins worked from the early age of nine to help Momma Bonds provide. They began by selling newspapers and delivering groceries. Odis was educated in both Catholic and Saint Louis Public School System. After high school he relocated to Philadelphia. He lived with George and Harriet Tillman until enlisting into the U.S. Marines in January 6, 1969. Paris Island, South Carolina is where Odis went to Boot Camp. Shortly afterwards he was deployed to serve in Vietnam. Odell was already in country serving in the Army. After three and a half years of active duty, Odis received an Honorable Discharge, released to the Marine Reserves and returned to Saint Louis on May 6, 1972. Odis went to trade school to become a construction worker. Upon completion of training, he joined Local 396 as a fellow Iron Worker. His career spanned three decades at retirement. His field allowed him to travel to multiple states to hone and display his beloved craft. He was a strong union supporter, political activist and family man who loved to cook. Odis was a devoted and loving father to all his children. In 2013, following the start of retirement began the love of fishing; the twins’ pass time until April 30, 2016 when Odell Bonds, Jr. was called home. On July 29, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. God called Odis Donald Bonds home. He was preceded in death by both parents, Odell Sr. and Marie Bonds, twin Odell and youngest brother, James. Odis leaves behind: his sons ~ Corey McMullen and Mark McCullen; two sisters ~ Harriet Tillman and Lois Patricia Bonds of Saint Louis, Missouri; grandchildren ~ Tashonna Davis, Makayla McMullen, Marcus McMullen, Lilith McMullen, Kyauna McMullen and Taegan McMullen; two nephews ~ Kelvin Davis and David Tillman, whom he was instrumental in raising; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Tributes

Odis Donald Bonds

August 1, 1948 - July 29, 2025