Eugene F. Ponte

Eugene Ponte lived a full and joyous 89 years. He was born in St. Louis, MO to Raymond and Gladys Ponte. His childhood was spent in a fourplex with his Grandpa Ponte, aunts, uncles and cousins that were more like siblings. He was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church and later married his bride at the same church. On May 21, 1949, he married Genevieve. After more than 50 years of marriage they still were each others best friends. His sense of humor knew no bounds. From pranks and jokes, he just had a wonderful outlook on life. Nothing could get him down very long. There was always something to make him laugh.



He spent 30+ years at Western Electric, first in St. Louis, and later moving his family to Prairie Village, KS to work at the "plant" in Merriam, KS. After retirement, he continued to be active in the Telephone Pioneers, a service organization. Their group focused on designing and building equipment for disabled children. They originated the "beeper ball" which allowed sight challenged children to play softball. As part of the Bell Telephone family he had many treasured friends throughout the years.



He was a proud disabled veteran of World War II and served in the Army Air Corp in England. He had been invited by Boeing to Seattle and to the Army Air Corp museum opening in Savannah, GA. He continued to be active with his bomb group and traveled to many reunions both in the United States and England. This past October, he was part of an Honor Flight to Washington DC and was accompanied by his grandson, Michael.



His was also a life filled with music. He had a bass voice that was trained at the Muny Opera in St. Louis. For over 50 years he was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Choir. The highlight of his choir life was when they were invited to perform at Carnaigie Hall. They performed a piece by John Rutter and Mr. Rutter traveled from England to conduct them. He loved all opera and musicals and loaned out his tapes and DVD's to all who wanted listen.



He is survived by his daughter, Janice McCloud and her husband Dale, his grandchildren Samantha and Michael Ponte and their mother Andrea Ponte. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael, in 2002 and his wife, Genevieve, in 2006.