Johnny Lee Ponder

Johnny Lee Ponder, age 75, of Dayton, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sept. 17, 2025. Born on July 17, 1950, in Kilgore, Texas, Johnny was the beloved son of Donald Thomas Ponder and Lanorah Jane Belew. He was raised in Oklahoma before moving to Baytown, where he attended Robert E. Lee High School. For the past 33 years, Johnny proudly called Dayton home.

Johnny worked for many years in crane rigging and was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his craft. Outside of work, Johnny lived life to the fullest—an adventurous spirit with a heart rooted deeply in family, tradition, and the outdoors.

A true cowboy at heart, Johnny loved horses and had a lifelong passion for riding motorcycles, especially his Harley Davidsons. When his riding days came to an end, he could often be seen cruising his neighborhood on a scooter, waving to neighbors and enjoying the fresh air.

Johnny was a talented outdoorsman who loved to fish, work leather, and whittle wood. His handmade canes—each one unique—stand as a testament to his creativity and craftsmanship. He also had a fondness for shopping, particularly for boots, hats, and bags, and was well-known for his signature style.

With a sweet tooth that never faded, Johnny loved indulging in cakes, cookies, and peach rings. More than anything, he loved his family and found joy in time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Lanorah Ponder; his brothers, David Ponder and Thomas Ponder; his grandparents, Obie and Katherine Belew; and his in-laws, James Morris French, Jr. and Patsy French.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Dymphna Ponder; sons Jayson Ponder and wife Lydia, Jaycob Ponder, and Jaymes Ponder and wife Kandis; daughters Misty French and Jessica Martin and husband Ryan. Johnny was a proud grandfather to Christopher Ponder and wife Kaleigh, Cameron Ponder and wife Destiny, Brayden Ponder, Jewels Ponder, Chloe Ponder, Chance Ponder, Chase Chimene, Jaylynn Brown, Joseph McCoy, and Jexi McCoy; and great-grandfather to Beau Ponder, Johnny Walker Ponder, Lainey Ponder, and Branson Ponder.

A visitation for Johnny will be held on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Pace Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton. A celebration of his life will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at 11 a.m., also at Pace Stancil.

Pallbearers will be Jaymes Ponder, Ryan Martin, Christopher Ponder, Chance Ponder, Chase Chimene, and Joseph McCoy. Honorary pallbearers include Jayson Ponder, Cameron Ponder, Johnny Walker Ponder, and Beau Ponder.

Johnny Lee Ponder lived with grit, love, and a fearless sense of individuality. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, creativity, and deep devotion to family. He will be missed dearly and remembered always.