Francis Andrew Ponton, 81, of Dublin, Ohio, died quietly Wednesday at the Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, Ohio. His wife and two of his sons were at his bedside when he passed away.

Born Sept. 27, 1924, in Annandale, Marion Township, he was the son of Steven and Helen Ponton.

A Butler High School graduate, he received a bachelor's degree from Duquesne University and a master's degree in business from the University of Pittsburgh.

He served for four years in the Navy during World War II on the USS Bataan, an aircraft carrier, in the Pacific.

During much of his career, he worked in the steel industry, often as the director of labor relations or personnel. He retired as the director of human resources for Pleasant Ridge Manor in Fairview, Erie County.

Mr. Ponton was an avid reader who read widely. In his younger days, he enjoyed taking his boys fishing and camping. He especially enjoyed Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and the area where his wife grew up in Oakland Township, affectionately known as "The Farm."

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Irene Hohn Ponton; four sons, Stephen, Daniel, James and Thomas; and a young grandson, Drew.

PONTON — Francis Andrew Ponton, who died Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006, requested cremation, and his ashes will be spread by his family.