Stewart Ponkilla

Stewart Raymond Ponkilla who’s Indian name is, “PI CHI DE KA TA”, the 59 year old lifelong Seminole, Oklahoma resident passed from this life on Monday, July 14, 2014 at Midwest City Regional Hospital.  He was born September 23, 1954 in Chandler, Oklahoma to parents Ray Ponkilla and Marie (Johnson) Ponkilla. Stewart graduated from Strother High School in 1972 and went on to continue his education studying two years in college.  He then worked as a landscaper and in maintenance. Stewart served in the United States Army where he earned the National Defense Medal; Expert (Grenade); Sharpshooter (M60 MG); Sharpshooter (Rifle); and Sharpshooter (Pistol) commendations. Stewart was a member of the Snake Creek Baptist Church. Stewart leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Marie (Johnson) Ponkilla of Seminole, Oklahoma; one son, Derek Ponkilla of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Bob Ponkilla and his wife Filiz of Edmond, Oklahoma, Stephen Ponkilla of Seminole, Oklahoma; two sisters, Ramona Ponkilla of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Janell Raylene Ponkilla of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, Maycie Ponkilla, Derek Ponkilla Jr., Jaidynn Escobar; and a host of other family and dear friends. Stewart is preceded in death by his father, Ray Ponkilla and by his brother, Clifford Ponkilla. A wake service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, July 17, 2014 at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Seminole. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 18, 2014 at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Seminole.  Interment will follow at Little Cemetery with Military Honors. Casket Bearers will be: Bob Ponkilla, Stephen Ponkilla, John Ray Hunter, John Underwood, Jacob Underwood, and Gerald Williams. Honorary Bearers will be: Charles “Gabby” Mitchell, William Larney, Ronald Bear, Porter “Buck” Bear Jr., Sean Lefthand, Irby Larney, John Thompson, John Still, Steve Harjo, and Percy Harjo. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole. Funeral Information: July 18, 2014, 2:00 PM Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel - Seminole located at 1001 N. Milt Phillips Ave., Seminole, OK 74868