It is with shattered hearts that we announce the passing on May 8, 2026 of Donald “Donnie” Ray Ponder, a man filled with determination to fulfill 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, dairyman, cattleman, 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 a 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-daughter, Melissa Ham of Mena and her husband Brett; stepson by former wife Wesley Downer of Glenwood; his five grandchildren, Jillian Ruff, Zach Thomas, Emily Callahan and her husband, Keith; Kennon Ham, and Khamon Downer; 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.

Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Smith Family Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Tim Love officiating. Interment was at Mountain Home Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Rob Douglas, Tracey Gray, Bobby Bays, Charles Collins, Jimmy Conner, Kennon Davenport, Robert Jung, and Jerry Sullivan Honorary pallbearers were Phil Smoke, Ken Warneke, and Jerry Hansbrough.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Mountain Home Cemetery Fund, c/o Tony Hill, 1017 Old Caddo Gap Rd, Bonnerdale, AR 71933, The Caddo Gap Class reunion fund- checks to Joan Price with memo for the fund- 1784 HWY 240 W Caddo Gap, AR 71935, or the Black Springs Baptist Church 365 Bobo Rd, Norman, AR 71960.