Steven Earl Ponder

Steven Earl Ponder, age 65, passed away peacefully at his home on January 26, 2021, with his
loving wife, Katherine, at his side. He was born January 13, 1956, in Houston, Texas to Ted and
Mary Ponder. Steve was married to his best friend and love of almost 40 years, Katherine
Ponder.
Steve was born and raised in Sheldon, Texas, and made his home in Huffman, Texas, with his
wife and his two dogs, Sheeba and Calie. Steve worked for Kinder Morgan for the last 15 years
and previously worked for the City of Houston for 15 years. Steve was also a proud Master
Mason with the Channelview Masonic Lodge since 1989. Steve and Katherine were married in
Liberty, Texas, in 1981 and have spent many happy years together.
Steve fiercely loved his family, his friends, and his Lord Jesus Christ. His door was always open
for all. He had a fun-loving and engaging personality and always made himself available
whenever help was needed. He made everyone feel as though they were family and was always
willing to help a friend or family member in need. Steve loved to fish, taking numerous trips to
Hackberry, Louisiana, to “The Hideout” with his dear friends. Steve also enjoyed spending time
in Crystal Beach on the Bolivar Peninsula where he made wonderful friends and spent many
memory-filled days with his toes in the sand, surrounded by friends and family, serving freshly-
grilled everything to anyone who was hungry, listening to his favorite classic/southern rock or
country songs, and enjoying his favorite beverage.
Steve was a living example of a life well-lived, treating everyone with kindness and respect and
always with a touch of that humor that his friends and family loved so dearly. He will be missed
beyond measure and will remain forever in our hearts.
Steve is survived by the love of his life, Katherine Annette Ponder; son, Dalton Earl Ponder;
granddaughter, Avery Jean; daughter, Shannon (Byron) Defee; grandson, Preston (Madison)
Cain; great granddaughter, Sadie Ryan; granddaughter, Kaitlyn Cain; grandson, Vance Defee;
mother, Mary Ponder; sister, Laura (Albert) Davis; sister, Linda (Greg) Carter; nephews, Justin
Mitchell, Clayton Carter, Corey Carter; and niece, Molly. All of these he loved and touched
deeply. Steve is predeceased by his father, Ted Earl Ponder.
A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at Sterling-White Funeral Home and Cemetery, 11011
Crosby Lynchburg Road, Highland, Texas, 77562, on Monday, February 1, 2021 beginning at 1
p.m. Please bring a favorite memory you have of Steve as there will be an opportunity to share
with his family and friends. Attire will be your favorite pair of jeans and cowboy boots (please
wear a shirt too), or your favorite beach attire. Serving as pallbearers will be Dalton Ponder,
Nathan Burke, Clayton Carter, Cory Carter, Gary Hudson, and Preston Cain.
Guests who are unable to attend in person but would like to attend the service virtually, you
may go to this website at the time of the service www.sterlingwhite.com and select Mr.
Ponder’s tribute, scroll down and there will be an option to “Click here to access the video”.

Due to COVID19, the funeral home will be requiring anyone coming into the facility to wear face coverings and to practice social distancing. We are recommending minimizing the size of services to help ensure the safety of our families and staff.