Jerry Francis Bonds

Jerry F. Bonds was born in Elida, NM, the youngest of 4 rowdy boys. He began his days in Artesia, NM in the 7th grade, the beginning of his love and loyalty for the Artesia Bulldogs. Quoting a good friend, "He was the ultimate Bulldog!" #70, He was Team Co-captain of the 1957 State Championship Game, the first of many NM State championships to come. All-State and South All Star 1957, Fighting Heart Trophy 1958, Carlsbad All Opponent Team, Offensive tackle and Defensive nose tackle. He once said, "When you wear that hat, (the orange Artesia Bulldog cap), you can't walk, you have to strut!" Jerry graduated from Artesia High School and joined the United States Navy for the next 20 years that included 2 tours in Vietnam. After retiring, he spent the next part of his life in the oil and gas industry in various categories traveling to many parts of the US and overseas. He enjoyed many class reunions (1958) and football reunions with his lifelong friends from Artesia, who all returned for these events no matter where they were. When he became ill, he simply said, "Well, I'm 77, I've had a good run." Jerry is survived by his wife Janice, daughters Haley and her true love Rob, Carrie and her husband Matt plus his 2 favorite grandchildren Ryan and Morgan. Sister-in-law Allison & husband Gary, nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as a couple of very special puppies. His Lord said unto him, "Well done thou good and faithful servant." Memorial donations may be made to Trinity-First United Methodist Church El Paso, the Reese Smith Memorial Greater Artesia Foundation P.O. Box 1344 Artesia, NM 88211 and the L. G. Henderson Scholarship Artesia Public Schools Athletic Dept. 1106 W. Quay Artesia, NM 88210. Committal Service will be at 10:30am Thursday, May 25, 2017 at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to F.D.A Martin-East 1460 George Dieter Drive, El Paso, Texas 79936. www.funerariasdelangel.com/martin-east