Hector H. Ponce

Hector Ponce is survived by his wife, Isabel Salazar; his children with Isabel are Lorena Salcido & son-in-law Aaron Salcido, daughter Rosy Ponce, daughter Kazantra Ponce, daughter Kazmin Ponce; ex-wife Maria S. Peters, who is the mother to eldest daughter Jacqueline Ponce Villalobos, eldest son Hector Ponce Jr., daughter Magdalena Ponce, and son Gabriel Ponce; grandchildren Alexandria Villalobos, Nick Villalobos, Gabriel Ponce Jr., Hector Ponce III, Amiah Salcido, Aaron Salcido Jr., Ava Salcido and Eliana Salcido; eldest sister Rosa Ortiz, Dora Ponce, Laura Ponce, Ruth Fransisca Ponce; and surviving brother Luis Ponce.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents Fidelia and Augustine Hernandez, his parents Fransisca and Andres Ponce, his younger brother George Ponce and second oldest brother Antonio Ponce.

“For a Father that died too young”

One of Hector Ponce’s biggest accomplishments was being a father. Hector Ponce was a person who worked extremely hard. He had a passion for family, adventure, a love for animals, photography, videography, classic cars, Harley Davidson’s, entrepreneur, mechanic, radio DJ, carpenter, music, truck driver and a road warrior. His work ethics and desire to take care of his family lead him to Minnesota in 1966 as a newlywed. Shortly after, he discovered that Minnesota was too cold for him and left after a year.

He moved to Abilene, TX in 1972 and worked as a brick mason, truck driver and ventured to being an entrepreneur for KVRP AM Chicanita Ranchera radio station. He discovered his love for photography and videography for weddings, graduations, cursillos and horse racing.

Hector Ponce moved to Tye, Texas in 2001 where he built his home on his ranch with Isabel, and continued to video the horse races right down to the last days of his life.

He loved his country Mexico, swimming in rivers not knowing what was in there, camping, driving instead of flying to be able to sightsee and learn history. He was never in a hurry to get anywhere, but drove like a rebel.

Hector Ponce was very hardheaded “his way or the highway”, risk taker – not afraid of anything. He taught us all not to care about what anyone thinks and to do our own thing in life.

His motto: “I lived my life the way I wanted to live it.”

A rosary is scheduled for Sunday, February 21, 2021 from 5:30 to 8 PM at the Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, 5701 US Hwy 277 S, Abilene, TX 79606.

Funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, February 22, 2021 at 2 PM at St. Francis Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the Abilene Municipal Cemetery Masonic Section under the direction of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.

Papi,

You were so much, and gave so much to the world, but I will try to summarize the main points. So much of who I am as a person was because of you.

Artist, Provider, Entrepreneur, Father, Traveler, Researcher, Animal lover, Philanthropist, Truck driver, Construction manager (loved working outside in the sun), carpenter, mechanic, classic car lover, independent, collector, gardner, sweet tooth, police officer (the time he chased a car), citizen, cook, photographer, videographer, loving, fisherman, Welder, believer, visionary, radio host, press, storyteller, Style, Outdoorsman, Politician, music lover, food experimenter. Farmer, Ranchero, motorcyclist (harleys) , Bargainer (loved a great deal)

FEARLESS, didn't care about what other people said, unapologetically himself

During bad weather, he would go outside to see and point at the sky for all of us to see

Papi/Papa/Father

You loved being a dad. You worked extremely hard to support your family, and I remember the smile you had whenever we did something well. You encouraged any dream we had, and never pressured us to be anything but who we are. Without that, I absolutely would not be the person I am today. You advised us when needed, and scolded us whenever necessary. You taught us to be independent, and to do it ourselves. You never told me I couldn't do something because I was a girl. You taught all of us to be strong.

You worked so hard, and I knew it was to support us. Some of my earliest memories are of you trying to make me laugh as much as possible when I was very young. It was always the little things. Like the way you loved when our roses would start to bloom every spring, and took some to place inside little flower pots for us. The way you took photos of Kazmin growing up each year alongside the roses. The way you captured the most authentic moments of us with your phone, even when we did not look our best, because you loved the small things. You always had a new jug of chocolate milk waiting for me if you knew I was visiting from out of town.

Thank you for being such an amazing, thoughtful, courageous, strong father. You were so proud of being a father.

‘Welo/Grandpa

You absolutely loved being a grandfather. Your face would light up immediately each time you saw them. They loved you too during the time they knew you. ‘Welo is what they would call you. I know how much you adored spending time with them. Your grandkids are grateful for the time they knew you, and you gave them the present of being adventurous and to not be afraid to get their hands dirty. You wanted them to be strong. When I have kids someday, I know you will be there watching over them as well.

Brother and so much more

I know how much you looked out for your sister, you wanted nothing more than for her health to improve. You encouraged her and advised her as much as possible. I remember the visits we made to see your dad, and I know how much you did for him as well. As a husband, you crafted items from your two hands, and built a very beautiful house for us and Mami. She appreciates how much of a good father you were. And for teaching her so many things, and how to be a businesswoman. She was not only your wife, but a business partner as well. You loved getting together with family, and cooking outside. To friends, they loved how funny and enthusiastic you were and could see your passion in what you do. To others, everyone knew about your strength and independence. I could go on, but you know how each one of them feels and you understand. You were missing your family in heaven, and I rejoice in knowing you have reunited with them. You are so happy to see them.

Artist & Entrepreneur

Photographer, Videographer, Radio Host, Commentator, Newscaster, Welder, Designer, Drawer, Sculptor, Crafter, Painter, Collector, Music and Classic Film Lover, Experimenter, Problem Solver, Visionary - Fearless

I cannot possibly list every amazing creation you have made in life, and that is what makes you a Great Artist.

Carpenter, Builder, Construction Manager

Traveler, Outdoorsman, Fisherman

You found comfort in the outdoors. Whenever we went camping at Frio Rio, you chose to sleep outside of the tent because you enjoyed it more. You loved dipping your whole body into the river water all at once, and held your breath for as long as possible. You loved looking for rocks in the river to see if you could find any curiously shaped ones to bring home. You told me once that rocks show us the past, the way they have been weathered down and shaped by nature. I realize now that moments like that made more interested in objects that reveal something about the time

Mechanic, Motorcyclist, Truck Driver- Classic Cars

You carried the gift of bringing something long gone back to life.

Animal Lover, Ranchero, Gardner

Through you Papi, I grew my love and appreciation for animals. They were your friend at all times, and you spoke to them like they were. You especially loved our cats, and the way they followed you around. You thought their kittens were beautiful and adorable, I am saddened you will not see them fully grown. You loved our dogs and how they would alert us if strangers were around. You felt that guard dogs were vital. You loved our baby ducks we got during quarantine, and laughed with us watching them swim and wander. You loved your roosters and the way they crow in the morning. I always appreciated you for having chickens and letting them all live until they died of old age. You were so proud and excited each time they laid eggs, and would come inside to tell us and show us before you cooked the eggs for breakfast. You were in the process of researching a new chicken coop to build for them. You especially loved parrots and the way they would speak back, though it's been years since you last had one.

You let us adopt homeless animals we found roaming, and took in litters of cats that could not find a home. You took us to a shelter when we were younger, and I was able to meet and take home my best friend Chapo when I was in 4th grade. When Chapo ran away from a relatives’ home while we were out of town, and we found out when we came back, you immediately drove all of us right then and there around town looking for him even though it was dark out. We never found him, but thanks to you I was able to meet the most important dog of my life. I am sure you found him in heaven.

You did not hunt for sport, but each time we found a rattlesnake you came quickly with your gun. We all felt enormously protected by you.

Thank you for teaching my mom how to use your guns, for intruders and snakes. So she can carry on your protection.

I loved visiting from out of town and helping you take care of all your animals.

You let us have all kinds throughout the years- ducks, rabbits, horses, pony, mule, cats, dogs, chickens, turtles, emu, parrot, parakeets, sugar gliders, hamsters, pet rats and mice, guinea pigs, and more.

When our emu ran away, you posted missing/reward signs all around town- to this day this memory makes me laugh because the missing photo you used was of us in our pajamas next to the emu with a scared look on my face.

Researcher, Reader

In Mexico, you did not receive a high school diploma, but that doesn’t mean you stopped with school. In fact, you took the initiative to teach yourself and learn from mentors. And you studied photography and videography in California.

If you were wondering how to build something, like specific cabinets, you purchased books and blueprints and learned how to do it yourself. You read a lot, about everything. You would even read the encyclopedia, and I found one open on a page about lungs whenever COVID-19 broke out.

I believe my love for research stemmed from you. Because truly that is what you were, a researcher. Because if you needed to know something, you would look into it. You would even read for fun, and kept collectors magazines about western movies and Elvis, among other books.

You set the example that you shouldn’t depend on school to teach you everything, which is true. One has to take the initiative to learn more, and on their own, in order to become a well-rounded scholar.

Politician, Citizen, Police Officer

You were once a police officer in Mexico, and that side of you never truly left. When I was much younger, we pulled into a convenience store just as someone stole a car and sped off. Without hesitation, you pursued them for as long as possible while I was in the front seat. And whenever we couldn’t see them anymore, we drove back to the convenience store and you told the officer which direction they went.

I admit moments like those were dangerous, but it was moments like these that taught all of us to be fearless. If we were scared to try something you would say, “Why not?”

You enjoyed reading about and discussing politics, and always kept up to date with situations in the United States and in Mexico.

One of your favorite leaders was Martin Luther King Jr. Which I can see why. MLK had the mentality of do it yourself, and to get out there. You respected the way he led people. MLK was always my first choice if I ever had to write about leaders for school papers. I wrote about him a lot, before I found out how much you liked him yourself. What saddens me now is that you always wanted a leader like him to start a movement for Mexicanos. You felt we did not have one in Texas, and that certain organizations were not doing enough.

What saddens me as well is that you told me you wish you could run for a political position so that you could have a say, but that you were too old to start.

You never received your citizenship even though you applied 5 ½ years ago, but you deserved it. You founded more than one business, paid your taxes honestly, and did a lot for this country.

To us, you gained your citizenship Papi.

Translators in hospitals, lawyers, doctors, trusted the janitor before healthcare professionals.

Provider, Philanthropist

Thank you Papi for how hard you worked to put a roof over our heads and food on our table. Your generosity went above and beyond, in the sweetest way possible. If you saw that we loved something, you would go and supply us everything we needed to pursue that hobby.

When Kazy began to love science, you went and got her national geographic magazines. When several of us showed an interest in painting, you supplied us with paints, paper, and an easel. Because we loved reading, you would take us to the bookstore. My favorite memory is when we went to the flea market and came across a vendor selling goosebumps books, and you bought boxes full of them. I was so excited, and I know I will keep them forever.

Whenever we got acne, you got us pimple cream. Whenever Kazy showed an interest in rocks during our camping trip trip to Frio Rio, you got her a rock polisher and jewelry making supplies. When Kazmin began to love baking, you went and got her flour, cake mix, sugar, etc., and then baked with her. You would bring home makeup, and nail polish (always as a surprise)- mostly for Kazy at the height of her nail polish craze. When we began to love music, you got me an electric guitar, a keyboard for Kazy, and a guitar for Lorena. When Kazy wanted to be a fashion designer, you got her a sewing machine. You recently bought a Christmas dress for my dog. You tried to get Kazy a pair of scrubs when she decided to study medicine, but she did not need them yet. You were always a crafter with us, and liked taking us to Hobby Lobby. Recently, you and Kazy liked painting tree stumps, and would get them from there.

Above all you were always willing to help, and would drop what you were doing to lend a hand. If we needed to do a school project, you would help us and provide supplies for the project. You always seemed to have what we needed on hand like measuring tapes, wood glue etc., or suggest the best building and crafting techniques. When Lorena struggled to build an Eiffel tower out of toothpicks, you knew exactly what to do and helped her compose the structure. When I needed to draw a cat for a kindergarten homework assignment, you drew it for me because I knew you would do a better job. That was always our little secret.

You were the most amazing handyman, and would help us and show us how to fix things. It was always a worry of yours if we moved out of town, because you wouldn't be able to be there if we needed help with anything or if our car broke down.

I have only skimmed the surface of the amount of things you would do for us, without hesitation. You loved being a helper and provider, because you loved being a dad.

Without you we would not have been able to go to University.

And you were so happy when I got into my dream choice.

Thank you for your contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

All of us will be forever grateful.

Storyteller, Sweet Toothed, Stylish

Bargainer