Bud Pontious

Eli “Bud” Pontious, age 86, passed away Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

Bud was born May 20, 1938, in Des Moines, Iowa to Howard and Clara (Conley) Pontious. He was a lifelong resident of the Des Moines area. Bud married the love of his life, Jean Pontious on April 20, 1956. They met because Bud went to school with Jean’s brother. After that fateful meeting, they enjoyed 68 wonderful years together.

Bud worked hard for his family. He was always there for anyone in need, so much so that it was regularly heard, “If you need something, call Bud.” Bud was an outdoorsman, who enjoyed camping, barbeques, and fishing. He was very handy and was always fixing things in the garage. He could take apart cars or anything mechanical and put it back together again and have it work even better. Bud was very close to his step-father, Clayton, who taught him everything he knew.

Bud cared for his family deeply. He was one-of-a-kind. As his family grew and he came to know his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he became a changed man throughout the years, becoming even softer and more loving.

He is survived by his wife, Jean; furbaby, Nala; children, Earmel (Shirley) Pontious, Cindy Pontious, and Deb (John) Grenko; six grandchildren, Lisa (Gustavo), Joey (Sara), Ashley (Kirk), Maggie Jo (Cody), Katie, and Olivia; eight great-grandchildren, Alexa, Bianca, Gionna, Diamonique, Drue, Sean, Natalie, and Kaleah; and one great-great-granddaughter, AvaLynn.

Bud was preceded in death by his mother, Clara (Lyle) Douglas; father, Howard (Elsie) Pontious; step-father, Clayton Butler; grandson, Jonathan Grenko; and furbaby, Suzi.

There will be a private family graveside service held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Children’s Cancer Connection or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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