On September 29, 2023, Harold Charles Ponther passed away peacefully on his own terms at the age of 91. During his final days, he was surrounded by the love and care of family and friends. Some of his last words showcased his sense of humor and made us all laugh.

He was born on January 17, 1932, in Tacoma, Washington to John and Helen Ponther. In 1948, at the age of 16, he joined the United States Marine Corps. He participated in war time and peace time efforts, but notably was at the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea, for which he earned a Purple Heart and a Presidential Unit Citation. He also received a Presidential Unit Citation for the Inchon Landing/Capture of Seoul. During Vietnam, he received a letter of commendation for being in charge of the electronic repair facility supporting 1st ANGLICO (Air, Naval Gunfire, Liaison Company) mission.

He met his wife, Martha, in 1951 at the Sandpoint Naval Air Station in Seattle, Washington. She was serving in the Navy at the time. The story goes that Harold was on gate duty and out walked Martha. He asked her to bring him back a cup of coffee. Martha used to joke that he never paid her back for that cup of coffee. They were married a month later on October 19, 1951, and their marriage endured until her death in February 2004. They raised five children together.

He retired from the Marine Corps in 1968 and moved back to Tacoma, Washington with his family. He continued his civil service with the United States government working as a postal carrier for 19 years, until he retired.

He obtained his GED shortly after entering the Marine Corp, but went on to officially graduate from Lincoln High School in 1966, and later received an Associate in Arts and Sciences from Tacoma Community College.

He Joined the Masons in 1967, Barstow Lodge #682. He was active for many years and is a Past Master of Clover Lodge #91 in Tacoma, Washington (now Steilacoom #2).

In October 2004, he married his second wife, June, and he moved to College Place, Washington where he joined her as a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.  He and June were married for 15 years when she passed away in July 2020. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Puyallup, Washington so he could be closer to his family.

He enjoyed traveling and was proud to say he'd visited all 50 States. He was an avid sports fan, rarely missing a Seattle Mariners or Seahawks game. He took yearly trips to Peoria, Arizona to watch the Mariners spring training games.

In April 2016, Harold participated in the Inland Northwest Honor Flight program. He was flown, along with other veterans, to Washington D.C. to visit our nation's memorials, including the Korean War Veterans Memorial. He was honored to be a part of this very special opportunity.

Harold was known for his sense of humor, his generosity and kindness, and his interest in history, sports and travel. Harold's family meant the world to him and he to us. He did his very best to provide for his family and never forgot a birthday or special occasion.

Harold is survived by his daughters: Karen (Clarence) Lockamy of Leesburg, FL; Katherine (David) Southwell of Puyallup, WA; Linda (Edward) O'Leary of Republic, WA; and Janet (Eric) Hughes of Puyallup, WA. He leaves 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and various stepchildren and step-grandchildren from his second marriage.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Martha Ponther; second wife, June Ponther; son, Dean Ponther; granddaughter, Shannon Leahy-Davis; and great-grandson, Tristan O'Leary.

Services will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 1 PM.