(From Carson-Wall Funeral Service)Lupe Ponce, 78, of Parsons, passed away unexpectedly, early Saturday morning, June 6, 2026, at his home.
Lupe was born on August 11, 1947, at Chanute to Raphael and Ysidora (Caberra) Ponce. He grew up in Chanute and attended St. Patrick’s and Chanute schools graduating from Chanute High School in 1965. He served in the United States Army and Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Alaska. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Parsons.
He attended Labette Community College and Pittsburg State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Lupe worked at IMI, Flesh, Fred Ronalds, and at Blair Trailers as an accountant. He also worked at SKIL for three years.
Lupe was active in volunteerism, delivering for Meals on Wheels, delivering donuts, and helping people with their taxes. He was a faithful member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Parsons Elks Lodge No. 527, Chanute American Legion and VFW, and the VOZ organization, serving as a committee member for over 40 years.
He and Esther M. Hernandez were united in marriage on August 30, 1969, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on October 21, 2022.
He is survived by his sons, Anthony Ponce, and his wife, Tammy of Joplin, MO, and Benjamin Ponce, and his wife, Michelle of Winfield; four grandchildren, Aidan Ponce, and his wife, Mandy of Webb City, MO, Rece Ponce of Joplin, MO, Gabrielle Ponce of Wichita, and Alexus Ponce of Winfield; his great-granddaughter, Ava Ponce of Webb City; five brothers, Ruben Ponce, and his wife, Janet Austin, TX, Harley Ponce of Chanute, Theodore “Ted” Ponce of Chanute, Ralph Ponce of Wichita, and Chris Ponce, and his wife, Susan of Chanute; three sisters, Mick Hernandez, and her husband, Joe of Chanute, Rebecca Rodriguez, and her husband, Pete of Wichita, and Elizabeth Guerra, and her husband, Frank of Olathe; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Esther, Lupe was preceded in death by his brother, Joe Ponce, and his sister, Mary Fernandez.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 13, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Father Nic Jurgensmeyer celebrating. Brown-Bishop Post No. 704 VFW will conduct military honors. Burial will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery later. The Rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m., Friday, at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Parsons visitation will follow the Rosary. Memorials are suggested to St. Patrick’s Church or to the American Kidney Foundation, and these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.






