of Little Rock, AR
April 18, 1924 - November 9, 2015
Mason E Bondurant,91, of Little Rock died on November 9,2015 .Mason was born on April 18, 1924 in Ensley, Alabama, the son of Robert Lee and O'Dahlee Bondurant. His parents and his sister Bettye Strange preceded him in death. He was a graduate of Howard College (now Samford University) and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He married Margaret Montgomery in Hartselle, Alabama on June 4, 1946.
He began preaching when he was fifteen and was ordained at nineteen. He loved to tell the story that he went to the Birmingham Jail to preach and that he had a captive audience. Mason and Margaret were in the Seminary together and their first churches were small ones in Oklahoma. Mason decided to join the Army when the Korean Conflict began. He served as a Chaplain and had a jeep that he drove along 50-100 miles of the front line to preach to any and all servicemen. One man had a deep need to be saved and wanted to be baptized. It was freezing weather but Mason knew this man was in desperate need of some feeling of safety. He baptized this man in an icy river. Before Mason left Korea he was given a General promotion to Captain.
When he returned from Korea he was assigned to Fort Chaffee in Arkansas. There he was presented The Bronze Star for his dedication to serving on the frontlines. He became pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Fort Smith, his next church was First Baptist in Dumas, and his third pastorate in Arkansas was First Baptist Jacksonville. During this time he also remained a Chaplain in the Army Reserves, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. After over thirty years serving as a pastor, he and Margaret decided to become Foreign Missionaries. They were assigned to Venezuela but were unable to get Visas so they served first in Quito, Ecuador and then later in Maracaibo and Caracas in Venezuela. After being at home for a short time, they felt the call to serve again and went to Senegal, West Africa.
They came home again and Mason was interim pastor of many churches in central Arkansas. He and Margaret were a wonderful team. One church nick named them Barn Rat because the name is not an easy one. Another church gave him a plaque with a rabbit because during his sermons he would often tell a story that he called chasing rabbits. His last pastorate was an Immanuel Baptist mission, retiring at 85. He will be remembered fondly by many as the preacher in the cowboy hat.
He is survived by his loving wife Margaret, four children Paula Melody (Steve) of Fayetteville, John Bondurant (Debbie) of St Louis, Mo, Philip Bondurant (Amanda)of Fayetteville and Joanna Wilson (Steve) of Cabot.
Nine grandchildren Meredith Melody- Hubbell (Andrew) of Little Rock; Isaac Bondurant( Jennifer) of St. Louis, MO. Hannah Bondurant of Durham, N.C., and Daniel Bondurant of St Louis; Paul Bondurant of Fayetteville, Samuel Bondurant of College Station, TX, and Sarah Bondurant of Fayetteville; Alicia Birmingham(Patrick)of Jacksonville and Zak Wilson of Cabot
Seven great grandchildren Emma Kate and Evelyn Hubbell, Jonathan, Caleb, and David Bondurant, Ray and Meara Birmingham.
Funeral Service will be at Immanuel Baptist Church in the Chapel at 2:00 P.M., Friday, November 13, 2015. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Park 1504 N JP Wright Loop Rd., Jacksonville, AR at 4:00 P.M. Family greeting will be at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home from 6:00 P.M. -8:00 P.M., Thursday, November 12, 2015. Memorials may be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering c/o Immanuel Baptist Church 501 N Shackelford Little Rock AR 72211
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20 Condolence(s)
Edward Hugh & Ina Delle Kelly
Monday, April 19, 2021
We attended Trinity Baptist Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas, for many years growing up. We were married there by Bro. Bondurant in 1962. He was a wonderful Pastor. We were saddened to hear of his passing. Our sympathy is with his family.
BG(Ret) Paul N. Revis
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Family and Friends of Chaplain Bondurant;
I served with Mason Bondurant in the 489th Engineer Battalion several years and witnessed his faith and devotion to soldiers in the turbulent Vietnam era. His sense of duty to soldiers made him a valuable asset to the battalion and I have always held him up as a model for all chaplains. His soft spoken, non-judgmental but firm Christian approach engendered confidence in soldiers. May God give you peace with his passing!
BG(Ret) Paul N. Revis
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Family and Friends of Chaplain Bondurant;
I served with Mason Bondurant in the 489th Engineer Battalion several years and witnessed his faith and devotion to soldiers in the turbulent Vietnam era. His sense of duty to soldiers made him a valuable asset to the battalion and I have always held him up as a model for all chaplains. His soft spoken, non-judgmental but firm Christian approach engendered confidence in soldiers. I share in your loss.
Bill Howard
Friday, November 13, 2015
Paulette and I have always been friends of the Bondurant family. Bro. Bondurant baptized our 2 children. He presided over the funerals for my parents. Our prayers our ongoing for the family.
Johanna Phillips Hamilton
Thursday, November 12, 2015
My family will always remember our Fathers funeral. Brother Bondurant was a wonderful pastor and friend to our family especially when our Father, Floyd Phillips, died. We are praying for GOD'S Peace and Comfort for all the family. The Phillips Girls from Fort Smith.
Marilyn Teeters
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Margaret, Paula Sue, John Lee, Phillip Joanna and their families during this time of Brother Bondurant's promotion to his heavenly home. There he will be met by many saints to whom he preached mighty sermons presenting the plan of salvation. Our sincerest condolences to all of you from the Teeters family, Polly, Marilyn and Marcia.
Steve & Vicky Teague
Thursday, November 12, 2015
We are so sorry to hear this. We loved Bro. Mason and Mrs. Margaret when they were serving as interim at Highway. He was a wonderful pastor and friend. When I was secretary for him there he would write the best newsletter articles. Bro. Mason taught me so much about how to create appealing newsletters. He was a very wise man. We will be praying for you all.
Linda (Goins) Cole
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Brother Bonduant was my pastor at Trinity in Fort Smith when I was a little girl. I remember playing with Paula. I have never forgotten his sermons that "he preached Hell so hot you could feel the heat"". I also remember him as a very sweet man that I looked up to and thought of as a true Christian man who lived what he preached. My most sincere condolences on his passing.
Warren Westlake
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Philip,
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I think of him and your family with great fond memories. My love for bagels started with my first puppy your parents gave me.I still have bagels to this day which serves as a reminder of their kindness. Warm thoughts for you and your family during this time.
Jamie Sue Wright Gramlich
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Some of my earliest memories of attending church are of those at Trinity Baptist in Fort Smith. Bro. Bondurant was an inspiration to all that knew him. I remember how special my dad considered his friend. I have often thought of your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with each member. Some day we will all be reunited with those saints in heaven.
Jim and Carolyn Bean
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Sending prayers of God's comfort to Margaret and family. He was a true servant of God and served Him well. We also have fond memories of Bro. Bondurant as he was the pastor who married us at Trinity Baptist Church in 1961. Our love to his family.
George and MaryAnn McCrary
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Phillip, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Dad. He was a great man and friend. When your Dad and George worked on the finance committee at FBC Jacksonville, they had some fun, funny times, and, of course, serious times together. We know you and all of the family members will miss him sorely. You all can take comfort in knowing that he is now In the Sweet Arms of Jesus, and everyone will be reunited some day. May God give you all the comfort and guidance you need to get through the coming days. In Christ's Love, Mary Ann and George McCrary
Roy and Sherry (Kline ) Howard
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Love and Prayers from Howard family in Florida.
Roy Howard
Bettye Kline
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Praying for the whole family. Love Bettye
Jacki Mohney
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Dear Paula, Steve and family,
We are thinking of your family at this time.
Mike and Jacki Mohney
Jerry & Rose Jones
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
We cherish the times he was our pastor and friend. What a mighty man of God!!! Our hearts go out to you Margaret and family in your time of loss. We know that the loving arms of Jesus will surround you Love & prayers
Jo Chism
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
So sorry to hear of your loss. Enjoyed Bro. Bondurant as interim pastor at Highway Baptist Church, Sherwood, a few years ago. Loved him and Margaret. May God bless the family. There will be many stars in his crown!!
Gary & Margaret Walters
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
We're so sorry for you're loss. We have such fond
memories of Bro. Bondurant. He served as interim pastor at Ward First Baptist Church. We grew to love and respect him.
Pat Buford
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
As hard as it is to lose a loved one, Mason Bondurant was a wonderful man who lived a long full life preaching the gospel to so many. He touched many lives and now has gone to be with his Heavenly Father. Margaret was such a help mate to him and all the family is blessed to have Christian parents. Remembering you all,
Pat Buford
Donna Ivey
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Margaret and all of the children and grandchildren. It is such a difficult thing to lose your husband, your Dad, your grandfather. May the peace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, surround the family during this time of mourning