Retired U.S. Marine Corps Major Carl N. Ponder, 83, passed away on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, at home with his wife of 63 years Yukiko Nakano Ponder by his side. Major Ponder was born in San Augustine, Texas on August 27, 1935, son of Carl and Ava Ponder. Major Ponder fought three tours in Vietnam. During his military career he specialized in aviation maintenance. He received several distinguished medals during his service in the Marine Corps. He retired from the military after serving 21 years. After retirement Major Ponder had a rewarding civilian career as a pilot, flying company executives around Texas.
Major Ponder was preceded in death by his parents; daughters, Kim Ponder Tinkham and Andrea Ponder Randall; and brother, Marlon Ponder.
He is survived by his loving wife, Yukiko Ponder; daughter, Dana Ponder and husband Jim Irsik of Lipan, TX; grandsons, Taylor Ponder and wife Becca and their son Luke of Fort Worth, TX; Dillon Ponder and wife Alane of Fort Worth, TX; Garrett Tinkham and wife Shana of Boyd, TX; granddaughters, Kim Cosby and husband Wes and their children Bailey and Preston Munson of Douglass, TX; Pamela Murphy and her son Peyton of Lufkin, TX; sisters, Murlene Weaver and Doris Mora; sister-in-law, Frances Ponder; nieces, Donna Hodges, Shane McCain, and Nicole Bradford; and several other relatives and dear friends.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, January 20, 2019, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel in Nacogdoches. Full military honors will rendered by The United States Marine Corps. A catered reception will follow at the funeral home.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, Nacogdoches.
