Donald Ray Ponder

It is with shattered hearts that we announce the passing of Donald Ray Ponder "Donnie." A man filled with determination to fulfil his goals and a wealth of knowledge. Through his journey of 75 years, he touched many lives with his wisdom, music, quirky sense of humor, and his unwavering desire to share his knowledge for his savior Jesus Christ.

Among his many skills and achievements through his life, Donnie was a logger, poultry farmer, dairymen, cattlemen, and cabin rental business builder and owner. He was a true jack-of-all trades. He was always open for giving and getting a hug and always up for a competitive card game with his sisters or anyone up for the challenge. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

One of his most cherished things to do was to watch the sunrise, take a picture, send it to Angie, call her, and just talk a while. He was a gifted musician who loved to sing and play his guitar for Jesus. Donnie was an avid gardener, loved fishing and hunting, and especially loved spending time with his family and friends.

He and Claudette traveled the country, singing at different churches, revivals, and events. They loved to travel and visit while they sang for the Lord. Donnie was an accomplished guitar player and wrote numerous songs and would play for anyone who would listen. He loved to encourage and mentor other musicians. He was Baptist by faith and attended Black Springs Baptist Church. He graduated from Caddo Gap High School in 1968 and then attended electronics school in Dallas, Texas.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, Nathan Ray Ponder and Louise Geier Ponder; and his niece, Kristyn Warneke.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Claudette Crow Ponder; his daughter, Angela Davenport of Blue Ridge, Georgia; his step-son, Wesley Downer of Glenwood; his step-daughter, Melissa Ham of Mena and her husband, Brett; his five grandchildren, Jillian Ruff, Zach Thomas, Emily Callahan and her husband, Keith; Khamon Downer, and Kennon Ham; his five great-grandchildren; His two sisters, Linda Smoke and her husband, Phil, and Darlene Warneke and her husband, Ken of Norman; his sister-in-law, Barbara Hansbrough and her husband, Jerry of Mena; and his loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and a host of wonderful friends.

Pallbearers will be Rob Douglas, Tracy Gray, Bobby Bays, Charles Collins, Jerry Sullivan, Jimmy Conner, Kennon Davenport, and Robert Jung.

Honorary pallbearers will be Phil Smoke, Ken Warneke, and Jerry Hansbrough.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Mountain Home Cemetery Fund, the Caddo Gap Class Reunion Fund, or the Black Springs Baptist Church.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Smith Family Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Tim Love officiating.

Interment will be held at Mountain Home Cemetery.