Robert Stewart Bond

Robert Stewart Bond, 78, of Irmo, South Carolina, passed away on April 19, 2026. Born January 4, 1948, in Columbia, South Carolina, Stewart lived a life marked by steady devotion—to God, to family, to community, and to country—carried with a generous spirit, a hardworking ethic, and a warmth that could lighten any room.

Stewart was the son of John Murray Bond and Dorothy Feagle Bond, both of whom preceded him in death. He attended Cardinal Newman High School, graduating in 1966, where he served as the football quarterback. He later attended The University of South Carolina, leaving before graduation to join the United States Air Force—an early sign of the dedication and patriotism that would shape so much of his life.

From 1968 to 1971, Stewart served as Special Ops in the Air Force, including service in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. After returning from overseas, he was stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah, where he escorted Minuteman III missiles by train. Following his military service, he worked at his family business, Bond Equipment Company. In 1978, he joined PYA Monarch, later known as US Foods, where he was proudly respected and valued in the food service industry until his retirement in February 2025—an enduring testament to his reliability, dedication, and the quiet excellence he brought to every responsibility.

Stewart also gave himself faithfully to public service. Dedicated to serving his community, he served on town committees and later as a councilman and Mayor Pro Tem for the Town of Lexington from 1998 to 2002. His leadership and steady commitment made a lasting impact on the Town of Lexington.

Stewart’s faith was an important foundation in his life. He sought to live with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, forgiveness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—virtues that were evident not in grand display, but in the consistent way he treated others and the calm strength he offered in difficult moments. He often quoted his sensei: “The only person who has the ability to upset you is you.” That perspective reflected the wisdom he carried and his ability to guide others in a time of need. His sense of calm will be greatly missed.

Above all, Stewart was a loving husband and family man. He is survived by his wife, Karen Dowling Bond, to whom he was married for 22 years; they were inseparable. He is also survived by his children: Laura Bond Touchberry (Tom), Meredith Bond Koss (Rusty), Erin Tarkir (Zach), Lauren Boesch (Josh), and Kristina McElroy; and by his grandchildren: Sidney Touchberry, George Touchberry, Olivia Koss, Jackson Koss, Riley Fulmer, Joshua Boesch, Olivia McElroy, and Kennedy McElroy, as well as many other beloved family members. He was preceded in death by his loving parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy “Dottie” Profilet and Clarence Profilet; and his brother, John Bond.

Stewart found deep joy in life’s good gifts—especially time spent traveling on cruises with his beloved wife, Karen, and family. He was often the life of the party, always ready to sing, tap, and dance, his humor and happiness drawing people in with ease. He loved all his cats, and he loved music with a rare, natural feel for it—able to play any instrument by ear, especially the piano. He also played drums in a band, and there was hardly a moment when he wasn’t keeping time with a hand or foot to whatever rhythm was near. A devoted Carolina Gamecocks supporter, he followed all the teams and especially cherished Gamecocks football, attending as many games as he could. He was also involved with karate and tennis, pursuits that reflected both discipline and an enduring zest for life.

A family visitation will be held at 12:00 pm with a Memorial service at 1:00 pm on May 5, 2026, at St. Andrews Baptist Church, 230 Bush River Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29210.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to SCOA- Dr. Chaudhry Mushtaq; Prisma Baptist Interventional Radiology Nurses; the Veteran's Administration Dorn VA Hospital White Team; and everyone else that contributed to his support and care.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23: 4,6

Flowers are welcome and may be sent to Caughman-Harman Funeral Home- Lexington Chapel or Saint Andrew's Baptist Church on Bush River Road in Columbia.

Memorial contributions may also be made to the Disabled American Veterans or the Gary Sinise Foundation in Stewart’s honor. dav.org and www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate.