Agustin Antonio Ponce

Agustin Antonio “Tony” Ponce of Austin, Texas, passed away on January 21, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on August 28, 1948, in Laredo, Texas, Tony grew up with a heart for service, proudly serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

A Life of Generosity

To his community, he was simply “Grandpa Tony,” always ready with a snack, a cold water, and a kind word. A devoted father and grandfather, he was the cornerstone of his family, a mentor, a friend, and a constant source of love and laughter. He provided a safe space for those who needed it, offering a nonjudgmental soul that encouraged his children and grandchildren to dream big, never missing an opportunity to tell them how proud he was of their journey.

Tony loved the spirit of adventure and the camaraderie of the game. In his younger years, he enjoyed the freedom of hitchhiking across the country, collecting stories he would share for decades to come. At home, he was a passionate football fan; while he always kept a spot in his heart for the Buffalo Bills, he was a "Cheesehead" through and through, with the Green Bay Packers serving as his main team.

He loved cooking and feeding everyone who stopped by, ensuring no one ever left his table hungry. His family will forever cherish the games played, the stories told, and the lifelong lessons he imparted.

Family Tony was preceded in death by his mother, Gloria Ponce; Elique Rodriguez; and his siblings, Elique Rodriguez Jr., Flora C. Flores, and Manuela R. Ponce.

His legacy lives on through his children: daughters Pamela Ponce and Sandra Lopez (Jimmy), and son Rodolfo Ponce (Melissa). He is also survived by his grandchildren: JoeRay Hernandez (Reyna), Melanie Christophe (Michael), Ryan Lopez, Trinity Cadena, Brianna Ponce, Liberty Cadena, and Ethan Ponce; and his great-grandchildren: Madelyn Christophe, Mia Hernandez, Layla Hernandez, and Bella Vasquez. He leaves behind his sisters: Patricia Pottin (Rey), Olga Santellan (Roy), and Susie Garza (Jerry), along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Acknowledgments: The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Bristol Hospice and Brush Country for the profound compassion shown in Tony’s final days. Your kindness will not be forgotten.

A memorial service will be held at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, located at 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas, 78749. The service is scheduled for February 13, 2026, at 11:00 am. The service will be available via live stream at the following URL: [https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26012144803358]