Phillip Wayne Ponder, age 42, passed away at UC Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio on February 25, 2019.

He was born in Louisville, Kentucky on January 18,1977.

He was the most beloved husband to Melanie Hartley, amazing father to Phoenix Williams, sweetest son to Paula Johnson Allen, grandson to Crate and Melvina Johnson, nephew to Greg Johnson, the best brother to Jillian Yates-Smith, and friend to more people that we can count.   He leaves behind a legacy of love that his felt by family and friends alike.

Phil's life was about putting God and his family first.  He was an active member of Immanuel United Methodist Church in Lakeside Park, Kentucky.  He found great friendships and brotherhoods in Christ with many of the members.  He loved making desserts for his church family and anyone else who needed a little love.  It was his greatest joy to pour all of his love and prayers into the food he was making for his loved ones, and then to proudly present some of the best desserts known to man.  Phil was always ready to listen to a friend in need, and to provide prayer and guidance to all who sought him out.  He had a way of bringing out the best in people around him and to make their inner light sparkle a little brighter with his words of kindness and encouragement.

His public service will be held at 2:30 p.m., on Sunday, March 3, 2019 at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Wesley Hall,  2551 Dixie Hwy, Lakeside Park, Kentucky 41017.  There will be a brief service followed by a much longer celebration of Phil's life.  We encourage everyone to wear something that reminds them of Phil.  He enjoyed Marvel, Disney and of course Columbia gear. Please just be comfortable and come ready to eat and celebrate his amazing life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Immanuel United Methodist Church for their Helping Hands Fund.

To share a memory of Phillip or leave a special message for the Ponder family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home, 1129 Garrard Street, Covington, Kentucky (41011)  is serving the  Ponder family.  Please call (859) 261-6635 or visit www.WalkerFuneralHome.com for additional information.