Obituary for Todd Gerard Ponder

Todd Gerard Ponder, 48 years of age, passed away on February 18, 2020, in Tucson, Arizona, after a five-year battle following a life-changing brain stem stroke.

Todd was born November 26, 1971, in Perryville, Missouri, to Edgar and Judy (Duvall) Ponder.  He was the youngest of three children.

Todd attended St. Vincent Schools in Perryville and was a drum major for the high school marching band. After graduation, he enrolled at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education.  He was an excellent clarinetist and performed in the Cape Girardeau Municipal band, the Ste. Genevieve Municipal Band, was a bass clarinetist for the Paducah Symphony, and even had the honor of playing with the Moody Blues.  Todd was also a talented conductor and served as drum major for the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks Marching Band.  His conducting was most notable when in front of concert bands, where his time-keeping was definitely a work of art.  Todd shared his passion for music with hundreds of students in the Warren County R-3 School District in Warrenton, Missouri, first as associate director of bands and then as director of bands.  He pushed his performing groups to excellence, with groups earning top ratings at district music festivals. Todd's bands performed at venues such as the Fox Theater in St. Louis and the Chick-Fil-A Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia.  Todd earned his Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri.  He continued to serve the Warren County R-3 School District as an assistant principal at Rebecca Boone Elementary.  Todd began accumulating hours toward a Specialist's Degree in Educational Administration before moving to Oro Valley, Arizona, in June of 2011, where Marana Unified School District employed him as Associate Principal at Tortolita Middle School.

Todd was instrumental in founding the Marana Winds community band in 2013, as a way to continue to share his love of music, while providing a unique platform for musicians within the community.  The Marana Winds continues to rehearse and perform annually in honor of Todd and is supported by Marana Schools 2340 Foundation.

Todd was united in marriage to Jennifer (Kirchner) Ponder at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Warrenton, Missouri, on June 26, 1999.  The couple have two children, Tayven and Paysen.

Todd was an avid toy tractor collector and enjoyed visiting toy shows where he would purchase high-end models of Oliver, Farmall, and Allis Chalmers tractors.  He loved being outdoors working in the yard, where he would be down on his hands and knees meticulously manicuring every blade of grass.  More than anything, Todd enjoyed spending time with his children and was a loving and devoted father.

Todd was a member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Oro Valley.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.  

Todd is survived by his wife of 20 years, Jennifer (Kirchner) Ponder, his 15-year old son Tayven Ponder, and his six-year old daughter Paysen Ponder, all of Oro Valley, Arizona.  He is also survived by his loving parents, Edgar and Judy (Duvall) Ponder of Perryville, Missouri, his sister Victoria (Ponder) Roberts of Lockport, Illinois, his brother Mark Ponder of Jackson, Missouri, father-in-law and mother-in-law Allen and Betty Kirchner of Warrenton, Missouri, sister-in-law Jill (Michael) Young of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and many nieces and nephews - Anthony Glorioso and Gianna Glorioso of Lockport, Illinois, Kennedy Ponder and Nicholas Ponder of Jackson, Missouri, Emma Young and Addison Young of Cape Elizabeth, Maine.  He leaves behind aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins, as well as a plethora of friends and supporters.

Family, friends, and others whose lives were touched by Todd are invited to Vistoso Funeral Home, 2285 E Rancho Vistoso Blvd, Oro Valley, AZ 85755, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2020, to reminisce and celebrate Todd's life.

A funeral mass will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 24, at St. Mark Catholic Church, 2727 Tangerine Rd, Oro Valley.  

A memorial service will be held in Missouri at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Marana Schools 2340 Foundation or The Todd Ponder Family Fund c/o Vistoso Funeral Home.  The family wishes to thank the army of angels that have stood with them over the last five years.  Each and every one of you has made a positive difference.  Keep doing good deeds for others.