OBITUARIES

Our beloved brother Kevin Timothy Ponder sadly gone too soon to be an angel on January 5, 2025, before his 61st Birthday.

He was born in Newburgh, New York, on January 8, 1964, the son of George E. Ponder I. and Ethel Lee Ponder.

He was baptized at Ebenezer Baptist Church by Pastor Gordon E. Henderson, January 1964 and has been a member since January 1978. He participated in the Youth Usher, attended Sunday School and other Youth Church Activities. Kevin was active in sports at South Junior High School on the Junior Varsity Wrestling Team. He graduated from Newburgh Free Academy in June 1983. Served in the United States Air Force from July 1988 to April 1992, at Shaw Air Force Base,
South Carolina and Honorably discharged. After the military, he was employed at Newburgh Conference Center and Pamela’s Catering on the Hudson. He last worked at Balmville Elementary School, Newburgh City School District, Newburgh, NY, all with such pride and honor. The faculty and students will sadly miss him.

He was a loving and caring son, brother, uncle, and friend with the kindest and biggest of hearts. He
would walk the distance to wherever he needed to go when rides were not an option. He enjoyed comic books, scary movies, and anime as a child growing up. His enjoyment grew into collecting distinct fountain pens and different colored ink wells he used to create ink blotches. He had a taste for specialty coffee before work or while reading a book. In the evenings, he would enjoy a delicious meal with either brandy to drink, like cognac or specialty craft beers. He was a frequent patron of these establishments: 2 Alices, Black Vanila, and the Warehouse, where they
speak very highly of him.

Kevin Timothy Ponder was preceded in death by his Father, George E. Ponder I, and his Mother, Ethel Ponder. Nephew Gage Ponder, Uncles, Aunts, and Cousins of Ponder and Lee Family who
passed. Special Family: Sharon Oates and Brother-in-law James T. McClain.

His siblings will cherish his memory: Patricia L. McClain of Newburgh, NY; George E. Ponder II of Poway, CA; and Mary E. McKnight of Rochester, MN. Nieces and Nephews: Janelle Ponder of Newburgh, NY; Devin Ponder, Blaise Ponder, and Jadyn Ponder
of Poway, CA; Alexandra R. McKnight, Aaron N. McKnight of Rochester, MN. Great Nieces and Nephews: Janese Free, Jewel Ponder, Jorgia Ponder, Azzure Johnson of Newburgh, NY. Rivika Ponder of Poway, CA. Preston McKnight, Tristan McKnight, and Leilani McKnight of Rochester, MN. Special Family: Daisy Winfield Ponder. Loving cousins, extended family, and friends.

The Funeral Service is on April 17, 2025, from 09:00 am to 10:00 am. Ebenezer Baptist Church,
76 1st Street, Newburgh, NY 12550. The burial will be at the Orange County Veterans Memorial
Cemetery, 111 Craigville Road, Goshen, NY 10925. Repass will be at Party Palace, 136 Lake St,
Newburgh, NY 12550-5245.