TITLE: In memory of Kenneth Ponder.

SUMMARY: In memory of Kenneth Ponder.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Kenneth Ponder of Hallsville passed away on June 17, 2017, at the age of 51, leaving behind a large circle of family and friends to mourn his loss; and WHEREAS, The son of Gene and Shirley Ponder, Kenny Ponder was born on October 31, 1965, in Atlanta, Georgia, and he later moved to Texas with his family; he graduated from Marshall High School in 1984 and went on to earn an associate degree in manufacturing technology from North Carolina State University; and WHEREAS, Mr. Ponder enjoyed a successful career in the kitchen cabinet industry; starting out as a laborer, he worked his way up to become a leader in his field, and in 2008, he joined his father's company, Master WoodCraft Cabinetry, where he served as executive vice president until his passing; and WHEREAS, An avid outdoorsman, Mr. Ponder devoted his spare time to ranching and hunting in a sustainable and environmentally minded way; moreover, he gave back to his community through his longtime membership with Ducks Unlimited and his personal and professional contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project; strong in his faith, he played an active role in the First United Methodist Church of Marshall; and WHEREAS, Mr. Ponder shared many years of love and companionship with his wife, Kim; he was blessed with a fine family that included three sons, Blake, Gene, and Pierce, and a granddaughter, Presleigh, with whom he cherished spending many special occasions; and WHEREAS, Kenny Ponder led a rich and purposeful life, and he will long be remembered with deep affection and admiration by all who were fortunate enough to know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Kenneth Ponder and extend heartfelt sympathy to his family and many friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Kenny Ponder. Hughes President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on July 18, 2017, by a rising vote.