John Lee Bondurant
Great husband, wonderful father, fantastic Poppi, inspiring singer and pianist, wise teacher
John Lee Bondurant was born in Hartselle, Alabama on November 1, 1951. He passed away in St. Louis, Missouri on January 17, 2020. Surrounded by his family and music he loved, John’s peaceful transition from this life to Heaven took place at home next to his piano. There will a memorial service on February 8th at The Rock (Ballwin, Missouri) at 10am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Pothawira.org in John’s honor.
He is preceded in death by his parents Mason and Margaret Bondurant and his grandparents John and Zula Montgomery and Robert Lee and O’Dahlee Bondurant. He is survived in death by his wife of 46 years, Debbie, his children, Daniel, Hannah, and Isaac, daughter-in-law, Jennifer, and grandchildren, Jonathan, Caleb, and David, as well as his siblings, Philip, Paula Melody, and JoAnna Wilson. John graduated from Dumas High School in 1969 and attended his 50 year reunion this past fall. He went onto graduate with undergraduate and Master’s degrees from the University of Arkansas in Chemical Engineering. His name appears twice on the Senior Walk in the Student Union Square.
John was a soft-spoken, kind, intelligent man whose gentle, non-judgmental spirit made others feel seen and understood.
The son of a Southern Baptist minister and piano teacher, John grew up singing and playing in the church. Before he became the local pianist, John was known for building a mini-golf course and running around in nothing but shorts until the start of the school year. His amazing capacity for empathy was an asset in his first high school job playing the organ for the local funeral home. Although he would still play at such services for those close to him, John’s heart was so large that it became too heavy around death.
In college, John played trumpet in the marching band and tutored other students for free. One of those students was so impressed by John that she relentlessly tried to set him up with her suitemate, Debbie. Since John was a broke college student, she paid him despite his protests so that he could take Debbie on a date. Instead, John bought the girl a dozen roses (much to the dismay of her current boyfriend) refusing to take her money for himself. Fortunately, she set John straight and he finally got up the courage to ask Debbie out. From then on, John was the dutiful boyfriend whom all Debbie’s friends loved and who would chaperone their adventures. While they met at Ouachita, John and Debbie would both transfer to and then graduate from UofA. With long flowing locks signature of the time, they married on May 27, 1973.
The early years of John and Debbie’s life together consisted in working in his sister Paula’s first shop and saving up money for furniture. He would go on to work at Monsanto for many years, ending his career with Solutia. They lived in St. Louis, Missouri, from 1974-1977. They then moved to Pensacola, Florida, where they made some of their life-long friends and had their first child, Isaac. They moved back to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1983 where they would have two more children, Hannah and Daniel. John traveled the world for work, fun, and ministry, everywhere from the Great Wall of China to the mountains of Venezuela to children camps in the Ukraine.
My heart is steadfast O God; I will sing and make music with all my heart” – Psalms 108:1
John always felt that music was his highest calling. He first began singing in the church at the age of 8, his first solo being “Now I Belong to Jesus.” While he would sing many solos, John always loved singing in the choir and ensembles. Yet his greatest love was singing in Southern Gospel quartets. He organized and sang in many church quartets throughout the years as well as semi-professional quartets which toured small churches in Missouri and as far away as South Carolina. He released several albums, including a solo feature of piano music.
I meditate on Your precepts and consider your ways. Psalm 119:15
John also loved God’s Word. To this day, his philosophical approach enriched many lives as he was able to share the deeper meanings within the Scripture. He was also a Gideon. John didn’t just know God’s Word, he lived it with his family, in the church, in the workplace, and the world.
Although known for having a quiet, reserved demeanor, John was a leader in his community. He was active in leading the Children’s and Youth choir as well as a regular Hymn Sing. He taught Sunday School for many years to students ranging from Jr. High boys to couples to senior men.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award to me on that day. – 2nd Tim. 4:7-8
In 1997, John was diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disease and given five months to live. Yet he fought and beat the odds. When given the diagnosis of kidney failure, John changed his diet with the help of Debbie. He was not only able to raise his kidney functioning level (of which is almost impossible) but also to avoid expensive medication and dialysis. By the grace of God, he lived a good and full life. However, in 2019, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer which would be the final straw. On his own terms and with God’s blessing, John courageously made the choice to “call it a day” at home with his family.
John was always a devoted father. He made sure to spoil his children with gifts whenever he traveled to faraway places. He supported them in all of their endeavors, doing whatever he could to make their dreams come true. He always saw the best in each of them yet would still encourage their growth and call out their shortcomings.
He enjoyed being a “fill-in” father to Maggie and Eddah Maseko who came to live with John and Debbie for 2 years. Yet becoming a Poppi to his three grandchildren was perhaps his greatest joy. He would take them everywhere he could think of – playgrounds, parks, Six Flags, Botanical Gardens, the Science Center, the Zoo – as often as possible. He would make every day an adventure and loved taking them on special spring break trips. At home, he taught them music and they would go for neighborhood walks. His affection and joy filled their childhood with love and excitement.
John was so proud of his children and grandchildren that he nearly burst around them.
John was quietly funny with a wry sense of humor. He was full of corny jokes to embarrass his children and silly dances to make them laugh. He loved to wait with a smile after a “Dad” joke to see if it created a giggle, a groan, or an eye-roll. Along with his jokes, John fit the ultimate Dad checklist with his fashion sense of high socks, Velcro shoes, and baseball hats in the summer and newsboy caps in the winter. He was an avid golfer with a consistent score under 100 and remained undefeated by his sons. If given the choice, John would have lived on a diet of potato chips, chicken pot pie, ice cream, and good ole Southern cooking.
As he got older, John became more outgoing and loved to connect with people. He left an impression not only on those close to him but also on those who only met him a few times. Even those who only knew him briefly would remark that he was a wonderful man. He was kind and compassionate, loving those with whom he came into contact. He was an enthusiastic listener who was genuinely interested in the person and what they had to say.
John never forgot his roots and remained a rabid Razorback fan to the end. He would regularly attend games with his sons (one who graduated from Arkansas) and grandsons (one who plans to go to Arkansas). He held season tickets for over 40 years which allowed him to share tickets and fun times with not only kids and grandkids but also his father, brother, and nephews. John is now calling the Hogs from heaven.
Such a beautiful memorial of John’s life! I learned many things I did not know about him!! We will miss him so much. So glad he got to come visit us in Alabama last year. So grateful for the hope we have in Christ that we will be reunited one day and there will be another duet sung by John and Tom!
What a wonderful tribute to an amazing guy. He was the best brother in law I could have ever asked or prayed for. Knowing the love and care he had for my sister, not to mention my niece and nephews was always a source of joy and comfort for me. He will be so very missed. I remember those early days when Debbie and John were dating….. and then later with the marriage and moves around the country and the absolute joy when Isaac came along. Praying for Debbie and the kids and grandsons during this time.
A wonderful, beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing this! Many prayers and thoughts to you and your entire family.
I loved reading about John and learning things about him I didn’t know! He was indeed a special man and will be missed by so many. He has left a beautiful legacy.
What a beautiful tribute to one of the best men I’ve ever met. He truly had a servant’s heart and I feel blessed to have been served by his teaching and his musical gifts. What a legacy!
Thank you for sharing so much about John
I smiled as I read so much and I teared up as I read -feeling the love of the words about him come to life.
Prayers continue for your family
What a Blessing of love you had in him
God Bless you and your family Debbie. ❤️
Debbie and Family,
What a lovely tribute. Our thoughts and prayers are with you are your family.
Beautifully written! So thankful I knew John years ago in Pensacola! Wonderful memories! Sending lots of prayers and hugs your way!!❤
What a wonderful life John lived! I knew him as a young boy when his Dad was pastor of Dumas First BAptist Church! I can see Mason Bondurant under that beard! Sending prayers!????????????
John’s father was my pastor at First Baptist Church in Dumas, and he officiated at my wedding to my first husband in 1963. John and his siblings were all younger than I, and I realize it was my loss not to to have known John.
What a beautiful tribute to an amazing man whose life was too short.
To the whole family: my prayers are with you during this time.
What a beautiful life. His legacy lives on.
Debbie I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and the family.
A beautiful tribute. John was truly gifted. We have been blessed to know him. Prayers for your family.
Debbie and family,
Hugs and prayers.
We will miss John’s lovely voice and loving personality!
May God’s Grace and peace sustain you.
Love in Christ,
JD & Denise Wade
Woo! Pig Sooey! ❤️????????
John, and Debbie were my college class Sunday School teachers, way back in 1976 or 1977. Or, golly, even 1978??
It was I and only one other student, Rob Phillips, at the Green Trails Baptist Church at Ladue and Olive in Chesterfield, Missouri.
His calm and direction was a needed base for my wild and rebellious age.
Seeing them as we both grew older during Ballwin Baptist days, always brought a smile.
I know he is in heaven.
All my love and prayers to you and your family, Debbie. You all hold a special place in my heart.
Although I didn’t know John personally, I remember him as a young boy in the Bondurant household, and I certainly recognize his dad in his smile. His dad was my pastor at First Baptist in Dumas and his mom was one of the kindest, most patient adults I knew. Reading John’s obituary reminded me of the entire family, especially his mom. What a large, wonderful life he lived! My sincere condolences to his entire family. I pray that God’s grace will sustain you and that fond memories of John will comfort you.
Although I didn’t know John personally, I remember him as a young boy in the Bondurant household, and I can see his dad in his smile. When I was a teenager, his dad was my pastor at First Baptist in Dumas and his mom was one of the kindest, most patient adults I knew. Reading John’s obituary reminded me of his entire family, especially his mom. He lived such a large, rich, wonderful life! My sincere condolences to your entire family. I pray that God’s love and grace will sustain you and that fond memories of John will comfort you.
Debbie, such a beautiful tribute to your loving husband John.
May our Father’s grace, mercy, compassion and peace, comfort and sustain you and your family.
Wonderful man and a very beautiful life well lived story. Praying for God’s peace and comfort for his all of the family.
What a wonderful tribute and legacy. Condolences to all who loved him.
Debbie, In the short time that I’ve gotten to know you I can tell how much you loved and admired , respected and cared for your husband! Such a beautiful testimony to the power of God in your life. May God’s perfect
Peace and the memories you shared together comfort you ????
Debbie & family – I finished reading this to my Mom and reliving the song, “HOLY”. Reading the lyrics brought tears to our eyes as we imagine John now living those words. Praising Jesus for welcoming him into that city.. All glory and honor to HIM for answering our prayers for Heaven. So blessed to have the confidence of heaven in our heart for all who truly trust in Christ. God is faithful to His promises. From my Mom, Lois Miles and me.
Debbie, My Love & Prayers will be with You & Your entire Family! How very sad to hear of John’s passing! You are greatly Loved! I am so glad Dr. Curtis will be with You & So will My Prayers as You walk through this “Vale of Tears..,” The LORD is near the Broken Hearted…Psa. 34…May His Arms hold You tightly. Soooo sorry I can’t be there. Praying for You…Love, Deborah Wright
Dear Debbie, What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful man who lived his life well, by God’s grace. Praying for you and the whole family as you adjust to life without John. May you know the Lord’s precious comfort each day. With love, the Yousaf Family
Dear Debbie, Isaac, Hannah and Daniel,
We loved John. He was a real gentleman. Oh, how he could sing!!
So very sorry; gone too soon!
Dear Debbie, Isaac, Hannah and Daniel
A lovely Tribute for a very special man. We are thankful for the beautiful life he lived and the special gifts and talents that he used in service to our Lord. John’s very powerful solo of “Holy” was one of our very favorites. Treasure these special years you have had as a family. Memories give strength and hope to sustain you all during these days.
John was a joy to know growing up in Dumas, Arkansas. I remember him as a dedicated student and musician. John always made 1st chair trumpet, and often had to sweep away the long hair in front that got in his eyes as he played!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful tribute. John lived a life for God that touched the lives of so many others.
My prayers are for comfort and peace as you celebrate his legacy.