Dennis Leroy Pontius

Dennis Leroy Pontius, 74, of Newcastle, Oklahoma, passed away on Wednesday afternoon, November 6, 2024, in Oklahoma City. A funeral service to honor his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 11th at First Christian Church in Wichita Falls, Texas, followed by interment at Crowell Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. under the direction of Smith Funeral Home of Crowell.

Dennis was born on July 11, 1950, in Blackwell, Oklahoma, to Ray and Blanche (Stout) Pontius. He graduated from Blackwell High School, where he was active in the wrestling and football teams and was also a proud member of FFA. Continuing his education at Northwest Oklahoma State University in Alva, he earned a degree in Agricultural Economics and joined the National Guard.

Following college, Dennis enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a mechanized artilleryman. He retired with the rank of Sergeant E5, and it was during this time, in Baumholder, Germany, that he was baptized.

Dennis married Teresa Webb, with whom he had three children, and later married Debbie Scott, with whom he shared many wonderful years. A dedicated and loyal worker, Dennis spent 27 years with Conoco, beginning as a tank gauger and advancing to pipeline inspector, a role that took him across Kansas, Wyoming, Louisiana, and even the Arctic Circle’s Western Pipeline, an experience he treasured. He was also passionate about farming and raising cattle and pigs.

Beyond his career, Dennis found joy in supporting OU football and spending winters in McAllen, Texas. He loved spending time with his family and cherished every moment with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie Pontius of Newcastle; his children, Brandon Ray Pontius of Moore, Oklahoma; Chad Aaron Pontius and his wife Michelle of Wichita Falls, Texas; Amy Pontius Smith and her husband Justin of Coppell, Texas; grandchildren, Morgan Leigh Pontius, Chase Aaron Pontius, Abby Elizabeth Smith, and Benjamin Dylan Smith; brothers Dale Pontius and his wife Landa of Haslett, Texas, and Eldon Pontius of Newkirk, Oklahoma; sisters Maxine Netz and her husband Roy of Flora, Mississippi, Judy Docking and her husband Bill of Arkansas City, Arkansas, and JoAnn Smith of Newcastle, Oklahoma, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law Alicia Pontius; brother-in-law John Smith; and niece Kristy Collyer.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Dale K. Graham Vet Foundation in Norman, Oklahoma, in Dennis’ memory.