Barry E. Ponton

Funeral services for Barry Eugene Ponton, age 81, of Wahoo, formerly of Battle Creek, will be 1:00 p.m., Sunday, December 7, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church in Battle Creek. Reverend Eric Gradberg will officiate.

The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home website.

Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the church.

Burial will be in St. Mathew Lutheran Cemetery in Meadow Grove with Military Honors conducted by the Army National Guard Honor Guard, American Legion Post 75, and the American Legion Riders.

Steffen Mortuary in Battle Creek is in charge of arrangements.

Barry passed away Monday, December 1, 2025, at Saunders Medical Center Skilled and Long-Term Care in Wahoo.

Barry Eugene Ponton was born on March 19, 1944, in Norfolk, Nebraska, to Mildred and Tim Ponton and spent more than 75 years of his life in Battle Creek, where he was raised and educated.

His life was shaped by the small-town Nebraska values he loved. Barry grew up surrounded by familiar faces, routines, and memories that would ultimately define him. Growing up around his father's gas station, Barry learned responsibility, resilience, and the value of doing things the right way, always with attention to detail.

Barry was a proud Battle Creek High School graduate, where he played basketball and was a member of the Battle Creek football team later inducted into the school's Hall of Fame. Many of his teammates became lifelong friends he stayed close with for decades.

After high school, Barry attended Wayne State College for a year before returning home to help run the family business. Taking on that responsibility at such a young age helped shape his work ethic, discipline, and sense of duty.

On October 25th, 1964, he married Kay Ziehmer, beginning a marriage that lasted more than 60 years. Together they built a family grounded in love, loyalty, and discipline.

In 1966, Barry was drafted into the United States Army, where he served until receiving an honorable discharge in 1968. His time in the Army deepened his lifelong respect for service and for those who wore the uniform; a respect he carried forward in later years as he participated in numerous funeral ceremonies honoring local veterans.

He worked for many years at Goodyear Tire & Rubber in demanding conditions; never complaining and always committed. In retirement, he served St. John Lutheran School as a custodian. His natural attention to detail meant everything was done just right, but it was the connection with the children that was the highlight of his days. He became a familiar, smiling presence and they adored him right back, making him a special puzzle in his honor.

Barry was deeply involved in the community he cherished, serving as mayor and also on the city council. If you wanted to know something about Battle Creek or its history, Barry was your "go-to" guy. In addition to coaching Little League and supporting track and field, he enjoyed his daily routines including drives around town to "check on things," a daily stop at the post office, and the rhythm of Nebraska football on the radio while working in the yard or hosing down the driveway. He also loved shooting hoops with his grandkids and the neighbor kids. Free-throw contests and games of H-O-R-S-E became a tradition, reflecting his competitive spirit and the joy he found in spending time with the young people around him. He also had a gift for teasing; if you were on the receiving end of one of his jokes, you could be sure it came from a place of affection.

Faith was an important element in Barry's life, leading him to serve as an Elder at St. John Lutheran Church. His faith brought peace and clarity, and his family takes comfort knowing he is reunited in heaven with his parents and sister, JaNahn and other members of the BCHS class of 1962.

In 2024, Barry and Kay moved to Wahoo, NE to be closer to family, where Barry found comfort in new friendships and morning coffee groups and watching the neighbor kids play in the yard.

Barry is survived by his wife, Kay; his children, Traci (Greg), Brett (Tori), and Mindy (Elijah); his grandchildren, Nick (Mackenzie), Shelby, Knox, Veda, and Beaux; and great-grandson, Weston.

Barry's life was marked by hard work, humility, and quiet strength. He was a testament to doing the right thing, serving others, and showing love through action. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, any donations are requested to be made to the American Legion Post #75 in Battle Creek, Nebraska.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.homeforfuneralsinc.com.