September 22, 1931 ~ March 15, 2015
ARLINGTON -- Ronald Clint Ponder, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2015 at a hospital in Arlington.
Funeral: 1:00 p.m. Friday at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington. Interment: Moore Memorial Gardens, Arlington. Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Clint was born September 22, 1931 in Mangum, OK to Revis and Johnnie McClure Ponder. He graduated from Mangum High School in 1949 and served in the U.S. Navy. He married Patricia Hill on August 30, 1953 and had three children. After receiving his Master's Degree from Central Oklahoma State, he went on to coach sports in several Southwest Oklahoma High Schools and then proceeded to Southwestern State University as the Dean of Men where he later coached football and track. Clint relocated to Arlington in 1973 and began a career in insurance and real estate, and eventually became a Landman with his own business.
Clint is preceded in death by his parents, Revis and Johnnie; and one sister, Mary Katherine Ponder.
Survivors: Those left behind to celebrate his life include his beloved wife, Patricia Hill Ponder; his three children, Ron Ponder Jr., Lisa K. Ponder and Janna Ponder; two grandchildren, Christie DuFran and Jason Ponder; and one great-granddaughter, Myla DuFran.
Wade Family Funeral Home
Arlington, 817-274-9233
To me Coach Ponder was a good teacher, coach, and fair man.
Respect comes to mind when I think of him. May he rest in peace.
Coach Ponder was a wonderful coach and good man! The boys that played for him respected him and it showed in how well they played. He will be missed by all that loved him! Prayers to his family and friends.
I appreciated the privilege of having “Clint” Ponder as my coach in high school for three years. I was sad to hear of his passing. It was neat that Coach Ponder would often come to our class reunions. He was an honorable and compassionate person. May God watch over and strengthen you, your family and friends in the days ahead.
he was a wonderful man that i have a deep respect for. respected by all of the young men who played for him. he had lessons for life, if we would take the time and listen. may GOD bless his family during this time of loss.
We have lost a great man but God gained a great angel and coach. I always had great respect for Clint. I will never forget getting to hear the entertaining stories about him and my dad (Cleon) growing up. He was always there to help me and my family in any way he could. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Over the past several years, I had the pleasure of playing golf with Clint at our annual alumni golf scramble along with my uncle Kent. They were close friends and I always enjoyed listening to their banter on the course. I will miss him, and those times will never be the same without him. I am so very sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours in this difficult time.
Pat & Family: Margaret and I always enjoyed visiting with you and Clint at our Mangum Alumni. Clint and I started school in Mangum in 1937 and finished together in 1949 – I have known Clint for many years. We will miss Clint at our reunion in May. Sincerely, Glen and Margaret Dowdy
Coach Ponder represented the kind of man I aspired to be. He was an example to all of us. And I will miss him!
Coach Ponder was truly my hero. Every time I take the Walters High ’60 year book for a walk down memory lane … I see Coach Ponder, for he was so much a part of those “walks”. He was a very motivated , pleasant, thoughtful and respected Teacher and Coach. He was also very quick to insure that everyone he touched knew that you were indeed very special to him. His wonderful influence had a marked effect on all of us. What a lasting impact he’s had on me in my journey through life.
Pat … May you feel God’s strength and warm arms around you … every time you think of my hero, Clint Ponder.
I am grateful for the privilege of knowing Clint over the years since 2008 when he agreed to serve as a Director of the newly formed Royalty Owners Association for the Town of Pantego. He was quick to volunteer to serve, he was dependable, and he always brought a sense of wisdom and humor to our meetings. It is warming to see the memories of his life as “coach”, and to realize how that smile, and friendly nature, reached so many. On behalf of the Pantego Community that he served, we extend our appreciation to his family for sharing him with us, and we know that his love for you showed through to us. Bob Griffin – President Pantego Royalty Owners