By Staff
September 20, 2005
A military graveside service for Tony Phene Ponter, 85, of Vinemont was Friday, Sept. 23, at 11 a.m. at Key Family Cemetery with Peck Funeral Home directing.
Mr. Ponter died Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2005. He was a lifelong resident of Morgan and Cullman Counties and was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Olva Stinson Ponter on Aug. 10, 2005; his parents, Emanuel and Carrie Allison Ponter; two brothers, James Emanuel Ponter and John Hubbard Ponter.
Mr. Ponter was a World War II veteran serving in the U. S. Army's 9th Infantry Division from February 1943 until he was honorably discharged in September 1945. His entire enlistment was spent in the European theater. He arrived in Europe on his 23 birthday, July 15, 1943, and was involved in the North Africa, Sicily, Normandy, Rhineland Ardennes-Battle of the Bulge, Central Europe and Northern France Campaigns. He was a recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, European-African Medal, Eastern Service Medal with one Silver Star, one Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He was wounded on March 1, 1945, in Germany. He loved his country and for more than 60 years talked about his wartime experiences with great pride. He was a retired employee of the Army Civilian Corps in Huntsville.
He is survived by one son, Tony Randall Ponter and wife Corley of Meadville, Penn.; seven grandchildren, Chad, China Mai-Yang, Maria, Leio-Ling Qiu, Reyna, Isleta and Esperanza; one sister, Vista Setters and husband Rauymond of White Creek, Tenn.; and several nieces and nephews.