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- Talmadge "Tom" Ponders, age 85, of Oconto, passed away on Friday, June 3, 2016 at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay. Tom was born in Pontotoc County in Mississippi on May 14, 1931, to the late Talmadge and Tina (Archer) Ponders. On March 12, 1969, he was united in marriage to Muriel Sommers. The couple enjoyed 31 years together until her death in May of 2000. He then married Bonnie L. Scharmann. Tom spent his entire career in the U.S. Army, retiring on November 1, 1971. He spent 11 years overseas in Germany, Korea, Vietnam, and Japan as a Sargent First Class. He was a member of the VFW. Tom enjoyed flowers - especially elephant ears, good food - especially sweets, watching army shows and Keeping Up Appearances on TV, having company, but most of all, Tom enjoyed spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife Bonnie, Oconto; sisters, Betty (Charles) Austin, Pontotoc, MS, Nell Solsi, Brockton, MA, and June (Tony) Eblan, Ocala, FL; brother, Bill (Jacki) Ponders, Summerfield, FL; brother-in-law Darrell (Judy) Sommers, Appleton; sisters-in-law, Betty Lou (Dallas) Boelter, Appleton, Audrey Lathrop, Appleton, Margie Ponders, and Betty Sommers, Appleton; step children, Machel LaCombe, Julie (Tim) Eichman, Brenda Stenstrup, and Renee (Jay) Monette; step-grandchildren, Mandy (Brad), Ross, Justin, Savanah, Tyler, Ashley, and Gavin; step great-grandchildren, Nevaeh, Collin, Corey, Brody, Addison, and Owen
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Muriel, 2 brothers - Charles and Bob Ponders, sister, Lucille Hoyle, and step-son, Brad LaCombe.
A funeral service will take place at 12 noon on Wednesday, June 8 at the Brettschneider-Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel with Deacon Maury Reed officiating, followed by full military honors performed by Appleton VFW Post #2778. Friends and relatives may visit on Wednesday from 10 am until the time of service. Interment will take place at Ellington Union Cemetery, Stephensville.
Published in Appleton Post-Crescent from June 7 to June 15, 2016
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