Keith William Ponder

Keith William Ponder, 63, of Tupelo, Mississippi, passed away on November 10, 2025, at North Mississippi Medical Center.

Born on June 13, 1962, in Newton, Iowa, Keith was the eldest son of Bill and the late Louise (Spake) Ponder. Keith is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sharon (Jones) Ponder, their daughter Abby Ponder and their son Mitchell Ponder and his wife Lexy (Tays) Ponder. He is also survived by his father, Bill Ponder, and brothers Steve (Marcie) and Paul (Sue) Ponder along with several cherished family members.

Keith graduated from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, and proceeded to have a 40-year career in the newspaper industry. A stalwart believer in the importance of journalism and a free press, Keith’s career led him to papers around the country as he held multiple leadership roles, including, most recently, chief revenue officer. His newspapers regularly won awards from their respective state and regional press associations and played pivotal roles telling truthful and meaningful stories in and about the communities they served.

Keith was a larger than life person, someone you could easily look up to — and not just because he was so tall. He was a man of principle, who believed in doing the right thing because it was right, and who could see the good in the world even when the world seemed determined to prove him wrong.

At his core, Keith’s family meant the world to him. He was the best father his children could ask for, lifting them up and supporting them in all things. And, above all, he loved his wife Sharon with all his heart. Everything he did in life was to care for her, to support her, to laugh with her, to love her.

A memorial service will occur in Newton, Iowa, at St Luke United Methodist Church (501 East 19th Street) on Saturday, December 13, at 1 p.m. in the sanctuary, with a visitation to follow. Light refreshments will be served.