Arthur Sherman DePonte

Arthur Sherman DePonte, 95, of Kula, Maui, passed away peacefully at home on August 6, 2024, under the care of Hospice. Arthur was born May 2, 1929, in Kula, Maui, to Manuel and Marie (Perreira) DePonte Jr. He leaves his wife Shirley Carey DePonte, sons Sherman Dudley (Dawn) DePonte, Randy (Debra) DePonte and daughter Terrie Lynn (Timithey) Ward. Brothers, Erwin DePonte, Clifford DePonte, 6 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 4 great- great grandchildren. He was predeceased by son Arthur Sherman DePonte, Jr. and brothers Albert and Theodore DePonte.

From the age of 9, he helped his family in Kula with their cows, and rode mules, donkeys and horses. At the age of 19 Arthur started his own small cattle ranch in Haiku and Kula. Ranching was a big part of his life, as a cattle rancher and Boer goat farmer. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and diver. He served his country in the Army National Guard and retired from the State of Hawaii Highways Department after 20 years of service.

Arthur worked from morning until dark up into his nineties. There were no problems, only solutions for Arthur who would invent the hardware he needed if he faced a ranching dilemma. He was a help to anyone who asked and always had a great story of the old days to share. He was recognized as an Old Time Paniolo and as a Legacy Farmer for his breeding accomplishments with cattle, and goats. He was a longtime, active member of the Kula Catholic Community and was recognized by the church as an Island Treasure for his service by the church.

Arthur loved to dance, and he and his wife Shirley, spent many wonderful evenings country dancing at different venues in Maui County and throughout their extensive travels.

A very special Mahalo goes out to Alfredo Villas-Boas who was a kind, dependable right-hand man and friend to Arthur for years. He made it possible for Arthur to be a part of his ranch until the end. A big Mahalo to Aloha Complex Care that treated Arthur with love and compassion in his final months.

Services are scheduled at Holy Ghost Church on Saturday, August 24, 2024. Visitation will be from 9:00 - 10:30am , Eulogy at 10:30am. Mass at 11:00am. Burial with military honors to follow at Holy Ghost Cemetery.