H. Benton Bond, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away peacefully at home on May 20, 2026. Benton will be remembered for his strong faith, love for his family, kind and generous spirit, keen wisdom, wonderful sense of humor, and incredible story telling.

H. Benton Bond was born to the late Dow G. and Pearl Burch Bond on September 15, 1939 in Taos, NM. Benton grew up in Taos, left to attend New Mexico Military Institute, the University of New Mexico, where he was an active and happy Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and New Mexico State University. After graduating from college, he returned to Taos to help run and eventually take over the family business, Dow Bond Plumbing and Heating. Benton had an engineer’s and inventive mind that could fix or find a solution for any mechanical problem. He loved sharing his ideas with customers, friends and family and helping solve their problems. Benton had a deep love for Taos and its community, which was his home for most of his life. He served his Taos community in many ways, including as a fireman for the Taos Volunteer Fire Department, as Secretary for the Acequia Madre Del Prado Del Rio Lucero for decades, as Vice President of the Taos County Historical Society where he received the Mil Gracias Award, President of the Taos Lions Club and children’s bus driver and Board Member at Christian Family Church/New Beginnings Taos. He was incredibly honored to receive the Taos News Unsung Hero recognition, along with his wife Arabella, for their community service and giving to the Taos community.

As a benefit of living in Taos his entire life, Benton was blessed with many incredible friends whom he greeted whenever he was out in the community. In particular, he loved going to lunch with his close buddies where they laughed frequently and debated constantly who was going to “pick up the check” and who was going to "pay next.” We all wish for another lunch with Benton.

Benton had a lifelong passion for riding with friends in his convertible cars. This probably originated in college, when he would ride with fraternity brothers and a real lion named “Tina,” in the back seat. You would often hear Benton ask “Would you like to go for a convertible ride?” The uninitiated riders (“next potential victims”) were at a disadvantage. Benton’s cavalier offer and their lack of past experience put them at ease. Seasoned riders created and maintained a long checklist of questions to ask before going for a “ride.” Standard questions were: are the tires full of air; are the brakes working; do the headlights point at the road, not in the treetops; is the top ready for rain; etc. Although there were a number of calamities, no one was physically injured and miraculously, when needed, friends would appear with jumper cables, rides, etc. Benton was always an optimist.

Benton was proud of his “knowledge” of proper manners. At any perceived mis-manner, Benton was always quick to “advise” the offender to get and read Emily Post’s book of manners. Benton’s family and friends always wondered about Benton’s ability to adhere to this book’s contents.

As part of his engaging and inclusive personality, Benton loved sharing stories and jokes. Unfortunately for his long-term friends, Benton’s material sources dried up years ago and when he asked if you wanted to hear a joke, there was an instantaneous dread and concern as you wondered what was coming. His Taos tenure gave him insights and details into and about Taos characters and history. Many of his stories would “raise your eyebrows”. Other Benton’isms were “uno mas”, “here we go”, “ya-ya”, and “Don’t get old.” Unfortunately, for many saddened hearts, Benton didn’t always practice what he preached. His entertaining charm and knowledge will be missed.

Benton Bond is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years Arabella Craddock Bond; his three children, Darren Benton Bond and wife Aphra, Tara Bond Freeman and husband Mark, Gigi Bond Reynolds and husband Trent; and his grandchildren, Aphra Kingsley, Peter Bond, Benton Freeman, Claire Reynolds, Aidan Bond, Wyatt Freeman and Kate Reynolds. Benton also has many nieces and nephews who spent wonderful times with him in Taos.

We are grateful for all of the special people in Benton’s life and want to recognize those who made his final days more peaceful.

A service for family and close friends will be held at a later date.