Rev. Gregory M. Bonds Sr.

Reverend Gregory Montez Bonds Sr. was born on December 20, 1955, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Barbara Bonds. He was her only child, raised by a village of family including his grandmother, Ruby Bonds; aunt, Debbie Bonds-Outlaw; uncles: Clifford Jr., William, Frank, Norman and James Bonds; as well as his oldest cousin, Diana Daniels. Gregory accepted Christ at an early age at Campbell Chapel AME Zion Church.

Gregory was educated in the Indianapolis Public Schools ultimately graduating from the historic Crispus Attucks High School, class of 1974, where he lettered in basketball and football. Prior to graduating, Gregory met the love of his life, Phyllis Jean Spear, while attending Driver’s Education class at Attucks. It was love at first sight. After graduation, Gregory enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in South Korea where he served in the 57th Signal Battalion. Two years later, Gregory returned home to his love and two weeks later the two were married on October 24, 1976. Gregory and Phyllis then moved to Killeen, Texas, to begin their life together while Gregory continued to serve as a Radio Mechanic in the Signal Battalion.

In 1978, Gregory and Phyllis returned home to Indianapolis, where he began to work with his Uncle Frank for Shrader Asphalt Company along with several other cousins. In June of that year, they welcomed their first child, Andrea, into their lives, and the world has never seen a prouder father. Shortly thereafter, Gregory became an apprentice at Local 440 Plumbers and Steamfitters Union, where he would eventually become a journeyman steamfitter following in the footsteps of his stepfather, Roscoe, whose class fought for the ability of African Americans to join the union. As a steamfitter, he worked on multiple large projects throughout the Indianapolis area such as the IUPUI Natatorium, Eli Lilly facilities, and the AUL Building.

Gregory and Phyllis would go on to have two sons, Gregory Jr. in November 1979, and Aaron in November 1982. Gregory was a devoted husband and father. He worked hard to provide through the week, but his weekends were all about family both immediate and extended. He would always repeat a saying passed down from his mother, “if you pass by family, you pass by it all.” He loved to pour into his children through play, laughter, storytelling, and teaching life lessons. He also loved hanging out with his aunts, uncles, and cousins. Summertime meant going to Mitchell for the annual Bonds family reunion, backyard BBQ’s, and the Kool Jazz Festival in Cincinnati, Ohio. Gregory loved to cook, a skill he learned from his mother.

In time, Reverend Gregory M. Bonds Sr. would answer his call to ministry under the leadership of Reverend Oscar Crear. He was ordained as an Itinerant Deacon in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1999. After answering his call to ministry, Reverend Bonds followed God’s direction to leave Local 440 and dedicate himself to his education and ministry. Reverend Bonds returned to college full-time and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis in May of 2001.

Reverend Bonds would then go on to pastor several churches throughout the Indiana Conference: Bethel AME (Seymour), Alexander Chapel AME (Evansville), Bethel AME (Mt. Vernon), Bethel AME (Bloomington), Bethel AME (Logansport), Bethel AME (Lafayette), and Bethel AME (Marion). Reverend Bonds was a true and faithful servant of God. Committed to serving, he was willing to take appointments that were declined by others, at small struggling congregations, which sometimes required him to drive over an hour in order to preach God’s word. Reverend Bonds was devoted to serving the Lord, and often quoted Luke 12:48, “To whom much is given, much is required.” Reverend Bonds retired from Ministry in 2022 due to his declining health.

As proud as he was to become a father, Reverend Bonds was elated to be a grandfather. He would often have all of his grandchildren for weeks at a time, spoiling them with his adoration and affection. At young ages, they often served as his ushers and praise dance team. As his health waned, the love and commitment he had for his grandchildren was returned by their devotion in caring for him.

Reverend Gregory M. Bonds Sr. departed this Earthly life on Sunday, July 20, 2025, surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara; stepfather, Roscoe; son, Gregory Jr.; and grandson, Jaylen.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Phyllis; daughter, Andrea (Wesly); son, Aaron (Rashida); grandchildren: Britany, Karunda, Briane, Lauryn, Gregory, Nevaeh, and Aaralyn; sisters, Sherry and Wanda; his beloved great-grand dogs: Gado, River, Scooby, and Blue; and a host of loving family and friends.