Jose M. “Papa” Ponce, Jr., 75, of Pampa, passed away on August 23, 2022, in Pampa.
A memorial mass will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 27, 2022, at the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Rev. Luis Lopez, the Parochial Vicar, officiating. An inurnment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.
A vigil and rosary will be 6:00 PM, Friday, August 26, 2022 at the Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors Colonial Chapel with Rev. Luis Lopez, officiating.
Jose was born on August 24, 1946, in Taylor to Carolina and Jose Ponce, Sr. As a young man, he traveled with work for several years. He met the love of his life, Corina Martinez in Frisco and they later married in 1963 in Corpus Christi. They would have eight wonderful children together. Jose and Corina moved to Pampa in 1980 and have remained ever since. He worked for Bruce & Sons, Stowers Oil & Gas, Cabot, and as an auto transporter for many years. Jose was a devout Catholic man who read his bible, prayed the rosary daily, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.
Jose never slowed down and he liked to stay busy, especially with his home. Jose loved to watch football and he was the biggest Dallas Cowboys fan. He also liked to travel whenever he could and see new things and people. He was an open book who never met a stranger. Jose was a great husband, father, Papa, great-Papa, brother, friend, and who was very proud of his whole family. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Robert Ponce and Ramiro Ponce; a grandson, Isaiah Casanova; two sisters; and by two brothers.
Jose is survived by wife, Corina Ponce of the home; six children, Ruben Ponce, Rachel Ponce, Rosario Ponce, Ramon Ponce and wife Ashly, Rebecca Ponce, and Rita Ponce; 3 sisters; 1 brother; 19 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
