William “Bill” Bondurant, 78, passed peacefully into heaven on Feb. 10, 2026, at Edgewood Spring Wind Memory Care Facility in Laramie, Wy.
Bill was born Aug. 17, 1947 in Wichita to Earl H. Bondurant and Anna (Grover) Bondurant. From a young age, he possessed a strong work ethic, mechanical curiosity, and an adventurous spirit that would shape his remarkable life.
On June 30, 1968, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Sandra (Ochs) Bondurant, in Liberal. For 57 years, they shared a life grounded in faith, loyalty, laughter, and devotion.
Throughout his lifetime, Bill held an extraordinary range of occupations. He worked as a paperboy, junkyard parts puller, tire repair shop hand, bartender, airport service technician, airplane mechanic, WWII warbird restoration specialist, U.S. mail carrier, crop duster, commercial pilot, car mechanic, oil field shop supervisor, oil field truck mechanic, and Lawson salesman. No engine intimidated him, and no mechanical problem was beyond his determination to solve.
A devoted aviation enthusiast, Bill built his own Pitts Special aerobatic airplane, a testament to his mechanical skill and fearless spirit. He crewed on sprint car and Pro Stock drag racing teams, participated in circle track, drag strip, and demolition racing, and proudly crewed on an Unlimited Class Reno Air Race team. The roar of engines and the precision of flight were lifelong passions.
Bill’s greatest pride, however, was his family. He loved spending time with his son Chad, working side by side on cars, painting them, passing along hard-earned mechanical knowledge, and hunting together during Chad’s growing-up years. With his son Brent, Bill faithfully supported Brent’s wrestling dreams and treasured the time they spent fly fishing together. Those shared experiences were among his most cherished memories.
Bill’s heart, however, was rooted deeply in faith and the outdoors. He was an avid reader of the Bible and enjoyed the works of Peter Capstick, John Gierach, and Patrick F. McManus. He loved fly fishing, big game hunting, and spending time in the mountains, where he often spoke to and admired God’s beauty in creation. Bill passed on a love for camping to his family and many unforgettable memories were made together in the mountains.
He was a devoted dog lover, a lifetime NRA member and Golden Eagle member, and a participant in the Amazing Grays Bible study group.
He was known for warmly introducing himself with, “Hi, my name is Bill,” and for his unique insistence that ice cream belonged on a plate, never in a bowl – small but unforgettable reflections of his personality.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Sandra (Ochs) Bondurant; his sons, Chad (Tami) Bondurant of Gillette, Wy. and Brent (Nicki) Bondurant of Laramie, Wy.; grandchildren: Justin Bondurant, Zachary (Jenny) Bondurant, Zoe Bondurant, Alanna (Jon) Elder, Josie Elder, and Lexi Guesanburu; great-grandchildren, Olia and Archie; his sister, Barbara Bondurant; and many cherished lifelong friends including Wayne, Lidia, Danny, Sharon, and Jerry. He also shared a special bond with his hunting partner, Dale, and his TNT friends.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Edgewood Spring Wind Memory Care in Laramie for the compassionate and wonderful care they provided. We would also like to thank the Enhabit Hospice Team for their care near the end. Bill requested that the poem “High Flight” be read in his honor.
He will be remembered for his steady hands, adventurous heart, deep faith, humor, and enduring love for family and friends. His life was one of purpose, courage, and gratitude for the beauty God placed before him each day.
• On Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 at 1 p.m., we will hold Bill’s memorial service at High Plains Community Church at 3101 W. Lakeway Road in Gillette, Wy.
Burial will follow at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery.
Following the cemetery service, there will be ice cream and cookies at High Plains Community Church. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 S Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY 82716.
Condolences may be left at www.gillettememorialchapel.com
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