Carl Ponca, Jr.

Carl Francis Ponca Jr., resident of Fairfax, passed peacefully Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at his home. He was 74 years of age. Carl was a member of the Osage Indian Tribe and had the given Indian name of Wahsistah Ponca Wahtianka.

Carl was born August 25, 1938 in Fairfax, Oklahoma, the only child born to Carl Francis Ponca Sr., first born male heir of NeKanwahshetunkah, and Agnes Mae Robertson Ponca. As a young boy Carl was a member of the Fairfax First Christian Church, an altar boy at the Fairfax Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He was celebrated as state tennis and track champion, and had earned the honor of Eagle Scout. He was a graduate of Andrews, Texas High School, and furthered his education at Oklahoma State University. He was an alumnus of the Kansas City Art Institute where he earned his bachelor of fine arts degree in sculpture. He earned his Masters Degree in Education at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. He was married to Barbara Ann Furr in 1959 in Ponca City. Carl had lived in many states that included the McDonald Observatory in Texas, Kansas City, Sausalito, California and Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Carl was a celebrated artist, an art educator, former Museum Director and Art Curator and professor at the Institute of American Indian Arts. He also had taught an art class in Fairfax for many years and founded the Fairfax Artists Association. He was a member of the National Association of Museums. In earlier years he was a talented Arthur Murray dance instructor. His other enjoyments included motorcycles, traveling and was the originator of Ponca Punch. Carl will always be remembered for his hospitality, generosity and celebrations. His family reveled in his eloquent orations.

He is survived by his two daughters, Kimberly Ann Wendy Ponca and husband, Anthony Webb of Fairfax, and Felicia Alexander Ponca, of Santa Fe, New Mexico five grandchildren, Sara Alison Stock, Alexandra Ponca Stock, David Robert Zane Ashmore, Carl Thomas Cody Ashmore and Mikaela C. PoncaMontoya one great grandson, Luke Alfred Warhorse Elsberry. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 30, 2013 at the Fairfax Cemetery. Mr. Poncas body will lie in state at his home in Fairfax prior to the graveside service. Arrangements are under the direction of the HunsakerWooten Funeral Home of Fairfax.

Casket bearers will be David Robert Zane Ashmore, Carl Thomas Cody Ashmore, Victor Mashburn, Theodore Mashburn, John Williams Jr. and Nicholas Williams.

Thank you for your love and support. In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions in Mr. Poncas name to the American Indian College Fund at www.collegefund.org