George Wesley Ponton, Jr., 86, died on Monday, September 28, 2015, as a result of cancer. Born in Martinsburg, West Virginia, on March 24, 1929, he was the son of the late George W. Ponton, Sr. and Margaret V. (Britt) Ponton.
He attended Burke Street School and graduated from Martinsburg High School in the Class of 1947. Ponton attended and graduated from the Rutgers University Stonier School of Banking.
For over 35 years, he was employed at the former Peoples National Bank, now known as My Bank – 1st United, retiring in 1990, as the Chief Executive Officer.
He was a U.S. Army veteran.
Ponton attended Independent Bible Church, was active in the PTA while his children were in school, serving as the first Treasurer of the Rosemont Elementary School PTA; Police Civil Service Commission; Treasurer of the Berkeley County Bi-Centennial Association; member of various church and Rotary boards and committees; banking associations; Hospice Volunteer and an honorary Martinsburg Rotary Club member where he had received the Paul Harris Fellow award.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lou Ann (Gain) Ponton, and two daughters, Deborah Ann Price and husband, Glenn Douglas Price, and Cynthia Leslie Biedler and husband, Russell Allen Biedler; four grandchildren, Leslie D. Price Smokowicz and husband, Jon; Dr. Philip L. Biedler and wife, Heather, and children Jonathan M., Rachel L., Sarah R., Danielle M., David J., Jennifer A., Andrew J. & Joshua A.; Mark L. Biedler and wife, Amara, and children, Miriam R., Matthias L., Mariel R. and Miles L.; and Paul M. Biedler and wife, Rebecca, and children, Verity C. & Samuel K. Also surviving are 2 sisters, Vivian M. Hollis and Catherine M. Whitmore and husband, Wayne, both of Martinsburg and a number of nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles W. (Bill) Ponton and Donald K. (Kenny) Ponton.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at Independent Bible Church, with Pastor Curt Lowry officiating. Viewing will be on Friday, October 9, 2015 from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. at the Brown Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to Independent Bible Church Building Fund
2306 Hedgesville Road Martinsburg, WV 25403, or Hospice of The Panhandle, 330 Hospice Lane, Kearneysville, WV 25430.