John Lawrence Ponder, 61 years old, of East Prairie, Missouri,  went to be with his Lord and Savior,  Saturday, February 26, 2022. He was at his home with his wife by his side.

John was born June 15, 1960,  in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the son of William James "Bill" Ponder and Helen Louise Elderbrook Ponder. On December 3, 1988,  he married the love of his life, Sammie Lea Jones. She brought three children to this partnership, making him a Bonus Dad.

John started farming in 1976 at the age of 16. Sammie joined John in farming in 1988. He was an avid farmer and was happiest when he was on the farm with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Many days you would find one of his grandkids learning the ways of the farmer by their Papa. He lived for serving God, loving his family, and farming the land.

John was the most encouraging, kind and understanding man. He loved unconditionally and in a big way. He was strong, understood the value of hard work, always put others first, and most of all, was our biggest fan.

Survivors include: three children,  Andrew Sneathern and his wife, Larissa of Charlottesville, Virginia;  Kena Lea Sorrells and her husband, Joe of East Prairie, Missouri and Lydia Frye and her husband Jeremy of East Prairie, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Jones, Lance, Jackson, Ellyana, Dylan, Morgan and Pierson; one brother,  Rudy Ponder and his wife, Mary Susan of Sikeston, Missouri; Step-Mother Patrice Ponder of Paducah, Kentucky; niece and nephews, Rob (Sandy) Barker, Brian Dill, Jenifer Ponder, Annie (Brian) White, Billy (Mandy) Ponder, Mitchell (Cati) Aters and Andy (Becca) Ponder; and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at the First Christian Church in East Prairie from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a funeral service to celebrate and honor John's life to follow at 3:00 p.m.

He will be laid to rest following the service at East Prairie Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to:
First Christian Church
215 South Washington
East Prairie, MO 63845

Or to the American Heart Association.

McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.