Wayne E. Ponce

Wayne E. Ponce, 80, passed away on Friday, November 5, 2021, after a sudden and brief illness. An El Paso native, Wayne began his primary education at Saint Joseph Catholic School, and graduated from Austin High School. Following his service in the U.S. Navy, Wayne graduated from New Mexico State University. Later, Wayne attended graduate school at UTEP where he obtained his Master's in Public Administration.

Wayne is survived by his wife Terry Acosta-Ponce. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ernie and Mary Ponce, both long-time civic leaders, his sister Maureen Ponce Singleton, and his nephew David Bryan Morris.

Survivors include several cousins: Carmen LaFarelle (El Paso, TX), Father Fred Canales (Catholic Diocese of Los Angeles), Susan Vega Pobar, (Cotopaxi CO); Tom Montgomery (Dallas, TX), Ed Montgomery (Dallas, TX), and Rick Montgomery (Desoto, TX). Also surviving are James Singleton, brother-in-law (Tulsa, OK); Richard Armendariz, brother-in-law (El Paso, TX); Alice Acosta, Yoli Acosta, Martha A. Armendariz, sisters-in-law (all of El Paso, TX); and father-in-law Arturo Acosta (El Paso, TX).

Wayne was a man who chose to follow the path of a public servant – first through his service in the U.S. Navy, followed by his employment with the Council of Governments, and later the U.S. Courts.

At the Council of Governments, Wayne honed his skills at grant writing, thus becoming instrumental in acquiring federal dollars for much needed county projects in West Texas, such as funding to help establish Alternative House, a halfway house facility in El Paso. With this experience, Wayne was drawn to the criminal justice field, and was hired as a United States Probation Officer for the Western District of Texas – El Paso Division. He was promoted to the position of Assistant Deputy Chief U.S. Probation Officer in 1992, a position he held until his retirement in 1998. Wayne later joined the faculty of the Criminal Justice Department at UTEP where he served several years as Adjunct Faculty, and used this opportunity to groom future probation officers.

Wayne was a long-time supporter of various organizations such as the El Paso Symphony Association, El Paso County Historical Society, UTEP Basketball, and most recently, the El Paso Chihuahuas. Wayne was happiest surrounded by his books, his music, and his dogs. He especially enjoyed taking the opposite side of any political discussion with Terry. And Wayne truly enjoyed the camaraderie he developed with fellow Upper Valley irrigation water users.

Wayne was a member of Saint Matthew Catholic Church. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, from 5-8 PM, with Rosary at 6:00 PM, at Saint Matthew 400 West Sunset. The funeral mass will be at 12:00 Noon, on Wednesday November 17, 2021, also at Saint Matthew Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Pallbearers are Martin Silva, David Alvarez, Bernie Olivas, James Stuckey, Richard Armendariz, and Jerry Urquiza. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West. Rosary and mass will be live streamed at www.martinfuneralhomewest.com. Wayne’s family would like to thank Father Frank Lopez, for all the support and prayers he provided. Also included in their gratitude are Deacon Astry, Father Miguel Perez, and Father Tony Canales.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com for the Ponce family.