
He was born February 19, 1936 in Norman, Arkansas to the late Alvin Ponder and the late Etta Jane Driggers Ponder. He married Janet (Jett) Petty in 1956. After their three children were born, Dale and Janet moved to Washington State where they resided for the next forty years, with the exception of a short stint back in Arkansas. While in Washington, Dale worked hard and eventually had his own underground cable construction company.
His wife Janet passed away in 2001. After much consideration Dale dissolved the business and decided to move back to Arkansas. He later met and married Opal Zedlitz from Mena, Arkansas. They were able to travel to Washington State every summer until Dale’s health began to deteriorate finally disabling him completely.
Dale loved life and had a great sense of adventure. His family meant the world to him. He loved people and if you weren’t smiling after an encounter with Dale, well, you just weren’t listening.
Dale is survived by wife, Opal Ponder of the home; son, Dennis Ponder and wife Rosetta of Longview, Washington; daughters, Tammy Epperson and husband Alan of Longview, Washington, Terri Magazine and husband Rick of Paradise, California; step-sons, Scott Zedlitz and Ricky Zedlitz of Tyler Texas; grandchildren, Kevin, Kristen, Bryan, Derrick, Jason, Justin, and Rachel; step-grandchild, Logan Zedlitz; several great-grandchildren; brother, Jimmy Ponder and wife Iva of Norman, Arkansas; sister, Lucille Varnell of Norman, Arkansas; sister-in-law, Louise Ponder of Norman, Arkansas; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Ray Ponder; sisters, Billie Jo Scott and Nelex “Sis” Ponder.
Memorial service will be Saturday, March 28, 2015, 10:00 a.m. at Polk County Housing Authority Community Room. Family and friends are welcome.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
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