David J. Powell

Dr. David J Powell died May 11, 2004, in Tyler, Texas. He was born October 17, 1929 near Kansas City, Missouri. Dr. Powell retired in 1984 from full-time ministry for the United Methodist Church and a more than 30-year career in the United States Navy. Chaplain Dave and his wife, Joyce, made their retirement home Hide-A-Way Lake, Texas. Dr. Powell served as an Associate Minister for Missions and Evangelism with First United Methodist Church of Lindale. Dr. Powell's ministry incorporated a deep dedication to his extended community, to whom he provided countless hours of fellowship and ministry through counseling, visitation, the establishment of the Lindale We Care Center and the development of what was later named the Dr. David Powell Food Pantry of Lindale, Texas. He also was active in the Masonic Order and the Shrine, served as Chaplain General of the United States for the Military Order of World Wars, and served as President of the East Texas Chapter of the Retired Officers' Association. Dr. Powell's professional positions included retail merchant, naval officer, pastor, chaplain, psychologist, writer, and missionary. Among the degrees he earned were a graduate divinity degree from Boston University and a PhD in Pastoral Psychology. As a retail merchant, he served nearly ten years with Sears, Roebuck & Co, and then became a Navy Reserve Supply Officer. He was founding pastor of St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. On active duty as a Navy Chaplain, Dr. Powell served in hospitals, shipyards, air stations and eleven overseas deployments, including service in the Vietnam conflict. Prior to his retirement from the Chaplain Corps, Dr. Powell served the surface Navy, Marine Corps and Seabees. Dr. Powell's professional career spanned 37 countries in 45 years. Beyond the inspiration and endless service he provided to his fellow military servicemen and to his civilian community, Dr. Powell's greatest contribution was his profound love and dedication to his family. He is survived by his wife of over 53 years, Joyce Sanborn Powell and by daughter Diana L. Powell, her husband CDR James E. Bittle (USN-Ret); son David D Powell; daughter Debora J Aubuchon, her husband Charles; daughter Norka G. Stewart; and grandchildren: Scott Powell, Specialist Chad Ross Powell (USA), Matthew Ward, Nicole Aubuchon, Airman First Class Elizabeth Ward (USAF), Emily Bittle, David Bittle, Kathryn Powell, and Brett Powell; brother, Glen Huber Powell and his wife Imogene; brother-in-law LCDR Robert R. Sanborn (USN-Ret) and his wife Virginia; niece, Belinda Powell Aaron and her husband Ricky and great-nieces Jessica and Rebecca; nephew, Cliff G. Powell and his wife Elizabeth and great-nephews Daniel, Christopher and Evan; and many additional family members. Services will be held at First United Methodist Church in Lindale, Texas, on Sunday May 16, 2004, at 4:00 pm, with the Dr. James Ballard and Dr. Paul Kethley co-officiating. Burial will follow with full military honors at Lindale City Cemetery. Visitation is at Caudle-Ruttledge Funeral Home, Lindale Texas, 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday May 14, 2004. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Lindale or the Dr. David Powell Food Pantry of Lindale, Texas.

David J. Powell

October 17, 1929 - May 11, 2004