Odis Donald Bonds' Obituary
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.
What’s your fondest memory of Odis?
What’s a lesson you learned from Odis?
Share a story where Odis' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Odis you’ll never forget.
How did Odis make you smile?
