September 15th, 2017 by WCBC Radio

Longtime local elected official and businessman Arthur Bond passed away Friday at the age of 85 following a lengthy illness. Born April 19, 1932 in Frostburg, Bond was the son of the late Arthur Bond and Agnes (Foote) Bond. He was preceded in death by his former wife of 48 years, Patricia Bond, a brother, John Bond, a son-in-law, Robert Lee Grimes, a nephew, Sgt. Lenny Scott Youngblood, and niece, Robin Burner.

Arthur graduated Beall High School in 1950, delivering newspapers before and after school, starting in the sixth grade.  He worked at Celanese and then moved with two friends to Detroit to work in the steel industry before entering the United States Air Force. Stationed at Lackland Base in San Antonio, Texas, he served 18 months in Okinawa during the Korean War.  He studied Russian language and received a commendation from General LeMay for his work in communications security.

Returning to Frostburg, he started Bond Home Improvements with his father, selling and installing awnings, doors, and siding. In the late 70s, he then opened Bond Home Center with his two sons. The three were joined by his daughter in 1988.

No stranger to local politics, Bond served five terms as the mayor of Frostburg and two as a city councilman.  The longest serving Allegany County commissioner, Arthur was elected to four consecutive terms and then later served a fifth term. Among his greatest passions were his love of Allegany County and the people he served.  Instrumental in attracting new employers to the area, Art's leadership was key in bringing Biederlack, Biospherics, Bayliner, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Kreative Plastics, Superfos, Active Network, AES Warrior Run, and Hunter Douglas to the county, as well as helping build five business parks and more than 60,000 square feet of industrial buildings to support new jobs and community water systems.  When he retired from public service in 2011, he stated, "Jobs were always the most important thing I worked for all of the years I have served in elected office."

Friends will be received at the Durst Funeral Home, 57 Frost Ave., Frostburg, on Saturday, September 16, 2017 from 6 to 8 pm, Sunday, September 17, 2017 from 1 to 5 pm.

Military honors will be accorded by Farrady Post 24 American Legion Honor Guard.

A funeral service will be conducted at the funeral home on Monday, September 18, 2017 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Joe Penick officiating. Friends will be received at the funeral home one hour prior to the services.

Interment will be at Frostburg Memorial Park.