Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 15, 2019 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Sunday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with rosary being recited at 7:00 p.m. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be directed to the Shenandoah Veterans Museum.

Harry Eugene Pontious was born on October 5, 1930, to Jacob and June (Priest) Pontious. Harry passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at his home in rural Shenandoah. Harry grew up in Shenandoah along with his four siblings. He attended the Shenandoah Community Schools. On October 31, 1952 he was united in marriage to Evelyn Stotts in Red Oak, Iowa. They lived in Shenandoah, most of their married life with the exception of when he was attending training in Fort Benning, Georgia for the Iowa National Guard and Coffeeville, Kansas while working for the local CO-OP.

Harry was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shenandoah along with the American Legion where he served as Past Commander. Harry served on the board of the Veterans Memorial Building (Old Armory). He organized a group of men in town to be special police to assist the Shenandoah Police Department by directing traffic at football games and other activities as they were needed. He also planned and organized a dinner for the Shenandoah Businessman at Christmas time.

Harry along with Dale Castle were very instrumental in planning, fund raising and building the Veterans Memorial Chapel in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah. The chapel was built with donations solely from Veterans. He also raised money for numerous events including the annual 4th of July fireworks celebration. He helped with the food pantry, delivered meals on wheels, was a Hospice volunteer, assisted with the community Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, played Santa, helped with the American Legion Easter Egg Hunt, and assisted every Memorial Day with the placing of the flags at the cemetery. Harry and Evelyn received the Cornerstone Award from the City National Bank. Harry was quoted as saying, "I enjoyed everything I did because it pleased the people that I helped."

Harry started working at the Shenandoah Nurseries at a young age. He enjoyed his work there and took great pride in his job. After working for the nurseries, he went to work at the Chevy garage for Wilbur Cambier. He then had his own DX Gas Station. He later worked for Helen Norris at the Elm St. Cleaners, which he acquired from her. He also did lawn care for several years and was very particular with his work. Harry retired from the Iowa National Guard after serving 33 years. He was the highest recruiter in the state for two years in a row.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, sister Phyllis (Blacky) Jordon and his mother and father-in-law. Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife Evelyn, his brother Rex (Deloris) Pontious, sisters Aggie (Charlie) Bryant and Linda Pontious, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.