of Flippin, AR

November 11, 2020

Gary A Ponder DVM, known affectionately as Doc, died peacefully at home as the sun was rising on November 11, Veterans Day. He was surrounded by his loved ones.

Gary was born on May 2, 1952, in Walnut Ridge AR. He graduated from Pocahontas High School 1970. After graduation, he served in the Navy for 4 years.

When he was honorably discharged, he took a job as a wrangler on a horse ranch in Napa, California, where he met the love of his life, Antonette Kate Brajkovich (Toni). They shared a love for horses and courted on the horse trails in Napa. Toni and Gary were married in San Anselmo, CA on October 24, 1976. They moved back to Walnut Ridge, AR and Gary began his studies which lead to his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Louisiana State University in 1985. After getting his license, Gary practiced in Russellville before opening the White River Veterinary Clinic, in Flippin. Gary and Toni raised three children, Clinton Russell, Tanya Leigh, and Nicholas Joseph in Flippin.

Gary took care of his community's farm animals and pets; he loved going out on farm calls no matter the weather or time. You could expect to see his truck at the clinic at all hours to take care of clients and their beloved pets. Over the 34 years as Doc in Flippin, Gary found time for family and friends. He loved to fish on the White and Buffalo Rivers, deer hunt on his farm and elk hunt in Colorado. He always tried to attend his children's soccer matches. Gary stayed in contact with his Navy buddies and they had reunions every two years in Maine where one of the guys was a lobster fisherman - so they feasted on lobsters. His sisters and brother lived nearby, and they enjoyed holidays, birthdays, graduations, and other special events together. Gary and Toni continued their love of riding horses; you could often find them camped along the Buffalo National River with friends. Erbie was Doc's favorite place to camp. He loved his horse Spook because he was always a challenge to ride and he loved playing cowboy. During these last few years as his health was failing you would find Gary at home reading his favorite book, Lonesome Dove, or watching the western channel. His second home was Northern California, he and Toni made sure they visited regularly, the children grew up close to Toni's parents Mimi and Poppy, and their Californian aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Gary is survived by his wife Toni, son Clinton (Lauren Wayson), daughter Tanya and son Nicholas; a sister, Janet Little (Mitch Little) of Hoxie, AR, sister-in-law Susan Ponder Brown (Morgan Brown), of Imboden, AR; his sister in law Patricia Brajkovich (John Nelson) of Windsor, CA; brother in law Thomas Brajkovich (Rita) of Thousand Oaks, CA; father in law Peter Joseph Brajkovich of Greenbrae, CA; nine nieces and nephews, and nine great nieces and nephews.

Gary was pre-deceased by his parents John A Ponder (Junior) and Anna V Morrison Ponder; his mother-in law Gladys M Brajkovich, his sister Mary Ann Ponder, brothers David L. Ponder and Terry E. Ponder, and nephew David Scott Ponder.
Due to Covid concerns, a celebration of life will be held later.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to ASU Foundation c/o Pre-Veterinarian Discretionary Fund in Memory of Gary Ponder PO Box 1990 State University, AR 72467 Hospice of the Ozarks or Have a Heart Pet Shelter in Yellville, AR.

Arrangements are by Roller-Burns Funeral Home in Yellville

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Burns Funeral Home
725 North Panther Ave.
Yellville, AR  72687
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com