Peter Raymond Ponton

Jan 25th, 1923 - Jan 5th, 2015
6 Guests

Visitation:

Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home

Thu, Jan. 8th, 2015 6 - 9 pm

Service:

Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home

Fri, Jan. 9th, 2015 10 am

Burial:

Grove City Cemetery

Fri, Jan. 9th, 2015

Peter Raymond Ponton, 91, of Chicago, Illinois (and former resident of Marion for 42 years) passed away on Monday, January 5, 2015.
Ray was born on January 25, 1923 in Danville, Virginia. He was the son of Peter Raymond Ponton, Sr. and Hazel Marie (nee Williams) Ponton. He married the love of his life, Melva Florence (nee Baughman) on August 28, 1949 in Champaign, Illinois, and together they shared over 40 years of love and marriage until her death on December 31, 1989.
Ray was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Marion, and a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in France and Germany in the European Theater from 1943 to 1946. He worked as a social worker for the State of Illinois, Department of Mental Health for 26 years, as well as a Prudential Insurance Agent in Champaign, Illinois. He is survived by his children: Melvin Ray Ponton, Phyllis Shepherd (Jacob) and Ruth Ann Ponton (Peter); and his grandchildren: Emily Ann Flores and James Shepherd. Ray’s daughter, Dr. Nancy Marie Shoup, predeceased him and his sister, Ida Hudgins.
The family wishes to extend its sincerest and heartfelt gratitude to Marilyn Juvers and the staff at Sunrise Assisted Living of Lincoln Park for their outstanding love, attention and care to Ray. Visitation hours will be from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at the Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 North Market Street, Marion, Illinois. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2015 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home with Rev. Jeff VanDyke officiating. Military rites will be presented by members of the Marion Post #1301 VFW, American Legion Post #147 and National Guard Flag Detail Unit. The final resting place is at Grove City Cemetery in Mt. Auburn, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully accepted by the First United Methodist Church in Marion, Illinois.

 

6 Guestbook Messages

  • Guest: Ruth Ann Ponton

    From: Chicago, Illinois

    Date: January 7, 2015

    Dad, You are the best dad I could ever have hoped for. I will love you always and forever. Ruth Ann

  • Guest: Karen Madsen

    From: Lake In The Hills, Illinois

    Date: January 7, 2015

    Dear Ruth Ann, Peter and Emily:

    Sending my deepest condolences in the loss of your Father/Grandfather. “Bless his heart.” No doubt his longevity in this life is a testament to love and being loved. From his obituary, it sounds like he lived a rich and full life. Now, he is healthy and whole in Heaven, reunited with your Mom/Grandmother and Sister/Aunt and all of those he loved. Ruth Ann, my dear friend, I know how involved you were throughout the stages of your Dad’s care. You are a blessing. All of you are in my prayers.

  • Guest: Sue Brenningmeyer

    From: Dongola, Illinois

    Date: January 8, 2015

    I am truly sorry for your loss. I worked with Ray over the years at Choate Mental Health & Developmental Center. He was always very respectful to the patients and employees. I will always remember how proud he was of his children. God bless each of you during this time.

  • Guest: Joyce A. Batey

    From: Tinley Park, Illinois

    Date: January 8, 2015

    My sincere condolences to Ruth Ann, Peter and Emily in the loss of your father, father-in-law and grandfather.

    I just want you to know that this is not goodbye, just so long until you see all of your loved ones again.

    Please find comfort in knowing that God is a comforter and as each day passes he will heal your broken hearts.

    I am praying for you every day and love you.

    Joyce

  • Guest: Carolyn & Don Middleton

    From: Marion, Illinois

    Date: January 8, 2015

    To the family of Ray Ponton: Since we live at 1800 W. Warren Street, we knew Mr. Ponton as a neighbor who passed our house frequently, either walking his dogs or passing by in one of his “long” cars. If we were in the front yard, he would stop with the dogs or in his car, and we would visit. He was an extremely interesting person.

    Also, our son Byron when in high school mowed his lawn, so he knew Mr. Ponton better than we did. Byron now lives in Tucson, AZ.

    Anyway, our condolences to your family. We wanted you to know we have good memories of your loved one. God bless you.

  • Guest: Myriam Echeverria

    From: Chicago, Illinois

    Date: January 13, 2015

    I want to say that Peter was a lovely person and
    I enjoyed the time we shared together at Sunrise
    Of Lincoln Park. He had a great smile. I will miss
    his hats. He was loved by all . Miss you Peter and one more good luck charm as I rub my arm as I did to you.

    Myriam E.