Gerald Leroy Pontious (85) of Dieterich

Gerald Leroy Pontious, 85, of Dieterich, IL, passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at his home.

Private family funeral services will be held at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham, IL. Burial will be in Watson Cemetery in Watson, IL with military rites.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Winterrowd Christian Church or Saddle Mountain Christian Mission. Cards and memorials may be mailed to Johnson Funeral Home, 1110 N. 4th Street, Effingham, IL 62401. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.

Gerald was born on November 16, 1934, in Watson, IL, the son of Clarence and ReEllen (Macklin) Pontious. He married Mary Louise Simpson on May 29, 1959.

He was a member of the Winterrowd Christian Church. Gerald served in the United States Army and worked construction most of his life. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. Gerald also found joy in vegetable gardening, caring for flowers, baking, and cooking. He was known too for his love to cut firewood.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary; sons, John (Dee) and David (Debbie); daughter, Ruth Bray (Fred); nine grandchildren, Cherity McGee (Dylan), Jonathan Pontious (Stephanie), Holly Bray, Kristen Park (Jason); Chelsea Hoopingarner (Josh), Lindsey Flowers (Damon), Savannah Pontious, Heather Pontious, and Tanner Pontious; 11 great-grandchildren and one on the way; brothers, Adrian “Gene” Pontious and Norman “Larry” Pontious (Gayle); sister, Wilma Koss (Bob); and sisters-in-law, Ina Denton and Maxine Pontious.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert Pontious, Kenneth (Ruby) Pontious, Ralph (Lucille) Pontious, and Donald (Emmaline) Pontious; and sisters, Jessie (Bud) Roach, Alta (Glen) Loy, and Evelyn (Kenneth) Verkruysse.