Gordon Mark Ponkilla

Gordon Mark Ponkilla, of Stroud, OK passed away on Wednesday February 16, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family. Gordon was born on April 22, 1963 in Pawnee, OK to James “Jim” and Lorena Mary (Grant) Ponkilla and was an enrolled member of the Sac and Fox Nation. Gordon came from humble beginnings and grew up around the Earlsboro/Shawnee area. Attending North Rock Creek and Johnson School and Shawnee Middle. He later went on to receive his GED and then went to Moore-Norman Vo-Tech and received his Journeyman’s license in Heating and Air. Gordon lived and moved with his family from Norman, Prague, Cushing and finally landing in Stroud for his last years. Gordon was on the Sac and Fox Election committee for over 10 years. He also was a singer with the Redlands Singers. Gordon even was a representative for a while for Sac and Fox and got to meet President Bill Clinton. He loved to work with his hands from bead work, to carving and also being a master cook. Gordon was a jack of all trades. Gordon always had people laughing. He never met a stranger and had the friends to prove it. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, son Justin Wade Ponkilla; his brothers James “Jim” Ponkilla, Jr, Shannon Byers, Rick Blanchard, and Johnny Ray Walker. Gordon is survived by his wife Tonette Jenell (Arkeketa) Ponkilla; daughter Tania Jene Ponkilla and husband Rico Jessepe; daughter Emmily Ann Fixico; adopted daughter Rica Jessepe; goddaughter Shelsie Whitethunder; grandchildren Quinton James Jessepe, Tarah Janee Jessepe, Mariah Jenell Jessepe, Carter Mark-Zane Ponkilla, Lucas Wade Meely, and Stonie Fixico; sister Loretta Ponkilla, brother Jeffery Ponkilla; sister Brenda Gail Ponkilla; sister Diane Ponkilla; extended brothers Dennis Keahna Jr, Steve Franklin, Loren Davenport, Kelly Call, Thomas Whitethunder, Jonas Cecil and Chip Walker; and many other friends. Gordon loved being a son, a brother, a father, a grandfather, and a friend and loved all his nieces and nephews. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.parksbrothers.net. Care services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Stroud, OK.