Francis Earl Ponder

Mr. Ponder passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at the Ellenton Hospice Home in Ellenton, Florida, age 89. The son of the late Ephriam Dawson and Pearle Melissa (Hancock) Ponder was born February 12, 1924 in Macon, GA and had resided in Bay City since 1946 and then after his retirement moved to Bradenton, Florida. Mr. Ponder was a former member of West Baptist/New Hope Baptist Church. He was the founder and owner of Ponder Iron Works in Bay City. Francis was an active member of the Bay County community serving as a Little League Baseball Coach for many years, a Scout Master with the Boy Scouts of America, Bay County Commissioner for 10 years in the 1970's and was proud of the work the he contributed in the renovation of James Clements Airport. Mr. Ponder was a member of the Morning Optimist Club in Bay City, the Bay City Lions Club and the B.P.O.E. Lodge # 88. He had served his country proudly in the United States Army. He was a member of Merrill's Marauders in the CBI Theater during WWII, joining with the Marauders during their battle for the Myitkyina airstrip in Burma and receiving a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

On November 26, 1946 Francis married his wife of 66 years the former Opal Joan Patrick in Maple Lane United Brethern Church in South Bend, IN and she survives his passing along with one daughter and son-in-law; Jerrie and Russell Daly of Hugo, MN, two sons; Patrick Ponder of Albuquerque, New Mexico and William Ponder of Wharton, NJ, four grandchildren; Melonie (William) Fischer, Jennifer Daly, Cinde (Chris) Morris and Grant Ponder, seven great grandchildren; Benjamin, Daniel, and Suzanna Neri, Samuel and Matthew Fischer, Rohan Morris and Kane Ponder and many nieces and nephews.

At the request of Mr. Ponder cremation has taken place in Florida. A Memorial Service will tak place Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Lee Austin followed by Military Honors Conducted by the Bay County Veterans Council.For those planning an expression of sympathy the family asks that you consider a memorial contribution to Tidewell Hospice, Philanthropy Dept., Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238 or New Hope Baptist Church, Bay City, MI.

06/08/2022 EJS