Ivan Lee Ponder

Ivan was born in Houghton, Kansas in 1936 to Theodore and Hazel (nee Moon) Ponder. He was the eldest son of eleven children to Theodore and Hazel Ponder. He attended Liberal High School where he studied English and Social Science. During his school years, he was an active member of the Boys’ Glee Club and proudly played football, wearing jersey number 22. A jersey number proudly worn by his grandchildren, today. Even then, Ivan was known for his quiet nature, sincerity, and patient spirit, qualities that remained with him throughout his life. Following graduation from high school, Ivan enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he honorably served for 24 years, retiring with the rank of Tech Sergeant. He was a proud veteran of the Vietnam and Korean Wars. After his distinguished military career, Ivan continued his dedication to public service as an employee of the federal government, working for the United States Postal Service until his retirement.

Ivan was a devoted Christian who held a deep reverence for the Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ. He attended Capital Christian Center in Sacramento, California, and found great comfort in the assurance that the Lord watched over him and his family. Through his quiet faith and example, he introduced his wife, Marianne, to a relationship with the Lord, followed by nurturing an early foundation of faith in their daughters. Christian values guided every aspect of Ivan’s life and shaped him into the deeply loved and cherished person he will always be remembered as…a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.

Romans 8:38-39 (KJV): “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Ivan was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Hazel Ponder; his brothers Robert Ponder, Aaron Ponder, Leverett Ponder, and Timothy Ponder; and his sisters Janice Gissendanner, Wynona Butler and Donna Ponder, who he will be reunited with in Heaven. He is lovingly survived by his devoted wife, Marianne Ponder; his cherished daughters, Eva Ponder and Belinda (nee Ponder) Whealy; his four adored grandchildren, Marcus Daniel, Marcus Daniel Jr., Mateo Fenty, and Laila Fenty; his dear sisters and brother Earlease McMillon, Betty Brandon, and Everett Ponder; and many beloved nephews, nieces, and cousins for whom will be waiting for them in the afterlife.