Robert Howard Ponder, 85, of Wellington, IL, passed away peacefully at Newman Rehabilitation Center on January 19, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., following a long battle with Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Parkinsonism syndrome.  \

Born on December 19, 1939, he was the eldest child of Howard and Lorene (Foltz) Ponder of Murdock Township, IL. Robert was raised by his paternal grandparents, Charles and Lou Ellen (Wilson) Ponder, in Murdock, where he attended Murdock Grade School. He then completed his education in Newman, graduating from Newman High School. A natural athlete, he excelled in multiple sports, earning letters in all and serving as the quarterback for the varsity football team.

On August 30, 1958, he married Sandra Arwine of Murdock in Newman. Together, they raised three sons. Robert dedicated 40 years of service to Trunkline Gas Company before retiring. His civic involvement included time with the Villa Grove Jaycees and a term as Building Inspector. Later, he was an active member of the Wellington Lions Club.

Sports and the outdoors were lifelong passions for Robert. In his younger years, he played for the Villa Grove Men's Softball League and later coached Little League in both Villa Grove and Wellington. He served several terms as the President of the Summer Recreation Program in Villa Grove. He was a member of the Camargo Sportsman Club and found great escape in fishing, always ready to head out early in the morning to indulge in his favorite hobby. In winter, he bowled in leagues, while summers saw him pitching horseshoes. He was also an enthusiastic spectator at local college and high school sporting events.

A man of faith, Robert was a former member of the Villa Grove Christian Church in Villa Grove, IL and Prairie Green Church of Christ in Hoopeston, IL. Upon his death, he was a member of the Milford Christian Church in Milford, IL, along with Sandra.

Robert is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sandra, of Wellington, IL; three sons, Robert Jr. (Viki) of Guild, TN, Martin of Villa Grove, IL, and Brett of Chicago, IL; two grandsons, Brennan (Anna) of Chattanooga, TN, and Grayson (Jennifer) of Chattanooga, TN; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two siblings, Roger Ponder and Sandra Eads and is survived by his brothers Hugh Ponder (Melva) of Villa Grove, IL, and Steve Ponder (Carolyn) of Springfield, IL.

A celebration of Robert's life will be held at a later date.