John Q Ponder

Obituary Funeral services for John Q. Ponder will be held 2:00 pm, Thursday, October 15, 2009 at Chapman-Black Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Greg Hall officiating. Burial will follow in the IOOF Cemetery in Maramec, Oklahoma under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home. John was born September 11, 1942 in Casa Grande, Arizona he was the son of Cecil C. and Annie Irene (Albertson) Ponder. As a young child John moved with his family to Hominy, Oklahoma where he began his education. John was raised in Hominy and continued school there where he later graduated from Hominy High School with the Class of 1960. During his time in high school John was active in athletics. Mr. Ponder excelled in high school football and accepted a scholarship to Eastern A & M College in Wilberton, Oklahoma. During the time John played football he was honored with the achievement of Scholastic All-American. After graduation with his associateís degree, John moved to Oklahoma City and began working for a electrical contractor. He continued working there for a couple of years before gaining employment with Western Electric which currently supplies electrical needs of more than two-thirds of rural Oklahoma. John continued working for Western Electric until he retired in 1992 after 30 years of dedicated service. John moved from Moore, Oklahoma after his retirement to Maramec, Oklahoma. While residing in Maramec John was the Mayor for several years. After the death of his wife Cathy in 2001, John moved to Cleveland where he was currently residing. John was very active during his tenure as Mayor of Maramec he worked consistently with local people and organizations for the betterment of the community. He was also active in the Pioneer Club as well as past president. John enjoyed life, he was an avid fisherman and hunter as well as enjoyed traveling. Most of all John was very well thought of by his friends and family. John Quincy Ponder passed from this life Monday evening, October 12, 2009 at his home in Cleveland at the age of 67 years. Survivors are his son Eugene Ponder of Shelbyville, Tennessee; one brother Dewayne Ponder of Cleveland, Oklahoma, three sisters Wanda Beck of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, Mozelle Bass of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Cecilia Long of Denver, Colorado, three grandchildren Michael, Lacey and John all of Shelbyville, Tennessee as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Cecil C Ponder, mother Annie Irene (Albertson) Ponder, wife Catherine Ponder as well as two brothers Jimmy Ponder and Ray Ponder.