Larry Michael Bond

Larry Michael Bond

Larry Michael Bond, 82, of Vienna, West Virginia, entered into the peace of Heaven having passed away unexpectedly on September 17, 2024.

He was born May 17, 1942 at home in Parkersburg, WV to the late Clayton E. and Leah Jane Bond. In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his best friend and brother-in-law, James R. Parsons, half-brother, Max A. Messenger, an infant brother, David Mark Bond, and special aunt, Jeannie (Flat) Kelly.

Larry was a 1960 graduate of Terra Alta High School and further studied at West Virginia University.

Proud to have worked many years for CSX railroad, Larry began first as a pole lineman and ultimately retiring as a train engineer. He most often took trains from Parkersburg to Huntington, and Parkersburg to Grafton, and was known to throw candy to kids that lived along the tracks while traveling to and from.

He was a huge West Virginia University sports fan, having attended hundreds of games over the years with his friends and family. He was blessed and always cherished attending in person with family some of the most exciting games in Mountaineer history including the 2006 Sugar Bowl, 2012 Orange Bowl and 2010 Final 4.

Although sports were a mainstay of his daily conversations, Larry loved the Lord and he was a devoted Christian, and attended church regularly at Fellowship Baptist Church in Vienna. In his younger years he was especially grateful to lead the Awana program at the church for several years. He enjoyed working with local youth at the church helping lead many to trust Jesus as their personal savior.

Anyone who met Larry always knew he was a great listener, someone who provided laughter, wit, and wisdom and wanted to help all he came into contact with. His ability to counsel and give advice based on his studies or personal life experiences was greatly admired from all. He was a devoted reader and loved all kinds of books, using his retirement years to devoutly study the Bible. He would often discuss scriptures with his family while visiting and made sure to offer sound advice that will be considerably missed by all that knew him.

Larry is survived by the love of his life, Jackie Elaine Bond, married January 27, 1962. For 62 years they shared a love that was an example to their family and friends, but most importantly to them, their children and grandchildren. They spent most of their life together raising the family on Grand Central Avenue in Vienna. Larry is survived by his daughter Kimberly (Daryl) Van Norman, and sons Timothy (Michelle) Bond, Larry (Kristi) Bond, and Daniel (Brandy) Bond. In addition, Larry is survived by his 10 grandchildren, Bryan Van Norman, Jonathan (Ern) Van Norman, Brittany Bond, Katelyn (Braden) Johnson, Isaac Bond, Emily Bond, Alyson Bond, Dylan Bond, Brenna Bond, and Brylee Bond.

In addition to his children and grandchildren, Larry is also survived by his brother Clayton (Sandy) Bond, sisters Carolyn Parsons and Debra Palmer, sister-in-law Louise Messenger, as well as many extended cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends whom he loved and cared for so deeply.

Funeral services will be 11 A.M. Saturday September 21, 2024 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens. Visitation will be 4 P.M. to 8 P.M. Friday September 20, 2024 at the funeral home.

An online guestbook for condolences is available at www.sunsetparkersburg.com

Sunset Memorial Funeral Home is honored to assist the Bond family.