Adolph McEwen Ponder, Sr., age 76, of Iberia, formerly of Granite City, Illinois, died Friday, May 25, 2007, at Lake Regional Hospital. He was born in Iberia on December 8, 1930, son of Earl Otto and Ruby Flossie (Blankenship) Ponder.

He was a veteran of the United States Navy and worked as a rigger for Granite City Steel. He was a member of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include two sons, Adolph M. Ponder, Jr. of Staunton, Illinois, and Thomas E. Ponder and wife, Dana of Troy, Illinois; two daughters, Doreen Ponder of Troy, Illinois, and Tammy Bickell and husband, Nathan of Eureka; one stepdaughter, Debbie Rickert and husband, Charles of Granite City, Illinois; one brother, Bobby Ponder of Pontoon Beach, Illinois; 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

He was a dear uncle, cousin, and friend of many.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Danny Ponder, one daughter, Dolphine "Pheibe" Andrews; one sister, Betty Hutchinson; and one grandson, Jason Andrews.

Services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 30, at Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia. Bro. Donald Brown will officiate. Interment with military honors will be in Hickory Point Cemetery near Iberia.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.rekusfuneralhomes.com.