Maj. Owen I. Powell (Ret.)

Maj. Owen I. Powell (Ret.), of Independence, formerly of Ft. Bliss, TX.; passed away early Friday morning, September 26, 2003. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, September 29, 2003 at Speaks Suburban Chapel, burial with full military honors 12:30 p.m. Monday, at Leavenworth National Cemetery. Visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, September 28, 2003 at the chapel. Born October 31, 1916, in Seattle, WA.; he was the only child of Ivor and Inez Powell. Maj. Powell enlisted in the Army at the age of 17 at Ft. Worden, WA, and served valiantly in the European Theater, during World War II as an anti-aircraft weapons unit commander. He participated in the Normandy invasion, the liberation of Nordhausen concentration camp, and was among the first United States soldiers to reach Germany. His tours of duty included Formosa, Panama, Okinawa, France, Belgium, Germany, and numerous State-side assignments, including the Pentagon. He retired from the Army he loved in 1958 and subsequently devoted 23 years of service in a civilian capacity at Ft. Bliss, TX. Maj. Powell was a member of Historic Trinity Episcopal Church, and the Retired Officers Association. Owen Ivor Powell, is survived by his wife of 66 years, Maidie Julia Powell, of the home; and three sons: Dr. Alan E Powell of Independence, MO; Owen D. Powell of Oak Grove, MO; and Brad A. Powell of Andover, KS; 8 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. Maj. Powell was deeply loved by his family and will be greatly missed.