"Dickie Pond was a legend in outboard racing, he was the Dale Earnhardt of boat racing. When the going got rough, Dickie flew over the water to victory, many times. Our condolences to the family, Paul A. Christner & the Quincy Welding Racing Family"
In loving memory of
Charles Richard Pond
May 6, 1937 - January 29, 2018
Charles Richard "Dickie" Pond, 80 of Keokuk died Monday evening January 29, 2018 at River Hills Nursing Home in Keokuk.
He was born on May 6, 1937 the son of Charles "Chuck" and Jean Prouty Pond. Dickie was united in marriage to Kay Rhea Platte July 11, 1988 in Keokuk. She survives.
He graduated in 1956 of Keokuk Senior High School. Dickie was a professional boat racer and he was a driver for Marshall Grant who played bass for Johnny Cash. During this time he was winner of several World Championships. He later worked at Steel Castings, Foote Mineral and was a driver for Vermillion Brothers Trucking and Carry Truck Company for over 20 years. Dickie enjoyed watching anything that raced on TV. However Dickie Loved the River also he loved his cats.
He is also survived besides his wife Kay Pond of Keokuk, Iowa, one sister Lucy Schaile of Michigan, 2 niece's Caroline of Michigan, and Heidi of Florida, three step children Brian Platte of California and Doug Platte of Keokuk, Iowa and Cindy Platte of Montrose, Iowa.
Dickie was preceded in death by his parents and a sister "Cissie".
A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, February 2, 2018 at DeJong-Greaves Celebration Centers, 917 Blondeau St. with Rev. Milo Veldhuizen officiating. Visitation will be after 3 PM Thursday, February 1, 2018 with family meeting with friends from 5-7 PM.
Memorials may be made to Keokuk Animal Shelter or P.A.W.S.
Tributes
"Dear Kay, and family. Was so saddened to hear of Dick's passing. My heartfelt sympathies to all. Such a soft spoken, kind soul. One of the greatest boat racers there ever was. Will be thinking of you all. `Karen Cadle - Ross Gibson's grandaughter"
"Our condolences to his family. He goes to join all outboard racers in the sky now to Rest In Peace."
"Dick was one of the best boat racers of all time."
"Hey Kay, so sorry for your loss. He was one of a kind."
"So sad to lose another classmate. Blessings to his family in his passing and love and peace to all of you. We shall miss him, but always remember him. May he be at peace now. "
"Just one of the sweetest, nicest friends I have ever had. His sister (Cissy) & I were good friends in high school & it was always a pleasurer to be around Dick. He is finally at peace after many yrs. of suffering. RIP dear Dick! Martha Barclift"