Ronald Eugene Pontius

Ronald Eugene Pontius, 88, of Cumberland, died Monday (November 1, 2021) at Sterling Suites, Zanesville.

He was born March 12, 1933 in Cambridge, son of the late George Pontius and Margaret (Severance) Pontius.

Mr. Pontius retired from Phillips Products, where he had been an operator.  He also retired from East Guernsey Local School District, where he had been the custodian at Madison Elementary and Buckeye Trail High School for many years.

He loved hunting, fishing, and going to his grandchildren's sporting events.  He loved and raised hunting dogs.  He enjoyed horse racing, dog racing, telling stories, and telling jokes.

He enjoyed all of his Canadian fishing trips with all his buddies.

He will be remembered for his kindness and generosity.  He never met a stranger and loved his family beyond words.

Mr. Pontius was a US Marine Corps veteran, having served during the Korean War.  He was the recipient of the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Ribbon.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, John "Jack" Pontius, Charles Pontius, and Dale Pontius; and a sister, Pauline Evans.

He is survived by his wife, Marian Ruth (Markee) Pontius, whom he married September 18, 1955; a daughter, Marsha (Mark) Roberts of Cumberland; a brother, Jim (Shirley) Pontius of Cambridge; a sister, Marcella Evans of Cambridge; two grandchildren, Joseph (Abby) Roberts of Cumberland and Chelsey (Rhett) Brown of Cumberland; three great-grandchildren, Caiden, Cale, and Camryn; and a special friend whom he considered a grandson, Marcus Collart.  The family would like to especially mention his close friends – Dick, Floyd, Charlie, and Jim – he loved spending time with you all whether fishing, hunting, or talking politics.

Visitation will be held Friday (November 5, 2021) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Thorn-Black Funeral Home, Cambridge, where funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Noah Barr officiating. Friends and family are welcome, but due to COVID-19 please take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety and everyone else's should you decide to attend.

Burial will be at Guernsey Memory Gardens, Cambridge.

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