Harley Dwight Ponder

Harley Dwight Ponder was born in Caldwell, TX on January 4, 1934 to James Marvin and Josephine Griffith Ponder and passed away peacefully on December 16, 2018.

He leaves his wife Jayme Makar Ponder and three sons Richard Dwaine and wife Rebecca, James Marshall and wife Jill, Michael Wayne and wife Angel. Also surviving are five grandchildren Lianna Knight of Jacksonville, FL, Lisha Ponder of Aurora, CO, Janelle Ponder of Deer Park, TX, Tiffany Ponder of Virginia Beach, VA and James Michael Ponder of Baytown, TX; five great grandchildren Jordyn Ponder, Bella Ponder, Ellie Ponder and Harley Marie Ponder all of Baytown, TX and Addison Knight of Jacksonville, FL.

Harley grew up in Baytown, TX where he graduated from Robert E. Lee High School. His accounting degree was from the University of Houston.

Harley’s dad worked for Humble Oil Company (later Exxon), a path which Harley and all three of his sons followed. Harley served with Exxon in Baytown, Houston, Baton Rouge, New York City, Rio de Janeiro and Mexico City, before retiring in Burton, TX in 1991.

Harley met Jayme in Baton Rouge and they were married March 15, 1969 at Jayme’s family church, First Presbyterian in Natchitoches, LA. They have been actively involved in Brenham Presbyterian Church in Brenham for many years. Harley served as an elder of the church and as treasurer. Harley also served as treasurer of the Texas Cotton Gin Museum in Burton and was president of Burton Lions Club. He was a supporter of the International Music Institute at Round Top and Unity Theater in Brenham. While living in Baytown, Harley served as treasurer of the St. John’s United Methodist Church and was president of the Gulf Coast Gun Club.

Harley and Jayme loved living and working on their ranch near Burton. Having been a successful accountant, he then became a cattle rancher first raising Salers and then Angus breeds.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 20th, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel. A committal service will be Friday, December 21st at 11:30 a.m. at Oak Rest Cemetery followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. at Brenham Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. W. Brent Hampton officiating. A reception follows at the church.

In lieu of floral gifts, donations are requested to Brenham Presbyterian Church, Unity Theater, International Festival Institute and Texas Cotton Gin Museum.