John Bond Obituary, Death – Family members have confirmed that John Bond, a 77-year-old Navy veteran, was one of four people killed during a violent attack at a church in Grand Blanc Township. Bond, a father of six and grandfather of ten, had served in Vietnam and was remembered by loved ones as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help raise funds for a memorial service and to provide financial support for Bond’s family during this difficult time. The fundraising effort has been verified by GoFundMe, and a spokesperson confirmed that it is the only verified campaign related to the church shooting. The identities of the other three victims have not yet been released publicly.
According to reports, Bond had a deep love for his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He also had hobbies such as golf and an interest in trains. Family members described him as an active member of his community, someone well-loved by friends and relatives alike.
The shooting took place late Sunday morning at the Grand Blanc Township Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Police said that 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton drove a vehicle into the church before intentionally setting the building on fire and firing multiple rounds inside. Authorities confirmed that ten people were shot during the attack, with two dying at the scene. Two additional victims were later found in the rubble after the fire caused structural damage. Responding officers shot and killed Sanford within minutes of arriving at the church.
Sanford was a former U.S. Marine who served from 2004 to 2008 during Operation Iraqi Freedom, according to U.S. Marine Corps records. While police have not speculated on his motive, a local resident reported that Sanford had expressed strong anti-Mormon sentiments. Law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Family and friends of John Bond have emphasized the positive impact he had on those around him. The GoFundMe page describes him as a “well-known and loved member of his family” and someone who contributed actively to his community. Through the fundraising campaign, they hope to honor his memory while easing the financial burdens on his widow, Joanne Bond, during this tragic period.
Bond’s death marks a heartbreaking loss not only for his family but for the wider community, which continues to process the trauma of the attack. The Grand Blanc Township church community has been left shaken, with survivors and residents grieving the deaths and injuries caused by the shooting. Officials have also urged anyone affected by the tragedy to seek support and take advantage of local counseling resources.
The GoFundMe campaign will fund Bond’s memorial service and provide direct support to his family. Organizers wrote that the funds are intended “to ease the navigation of this heartbreaking time,” emphasizing the need to support his loved ones while honoring his legacy.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the attack, including examining Sanford’s actions leading up to the shooting and assessing any potential factors that contributed to the incident. Meanwhile, the focus remains on mourning the victims and supporting the families impacted by the violence.
John Bond’s life and service, both in the Navy and in his community, are being remembered for the love and kindness he brought to those around him. While the church attack has left a community in shock, the memory of Bond and his commitment to family and community serve as a lasting tribute to his life.
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