I have only known Tom for a little over two years, but I’ve never met anyone as focused on walking with the Lord as much as Tom was.

I offer my sincere condolences to Cher and the family for the loss of Tom’s presence on this side of heaven. It is heart wrenching, and very painful. I know that to be true. But, on the other side, where Tom’s soul and spirit are as alive and better than ever before the transition, there is great rejoicing in the pure love of God for Tom.

Christians are called to grow into a relationship with Christ so that their walk with Him reflects His love. I have never seen anyone who reflected Christ as much as Tom did.

I watched Tom silently pray before Friday night potluck supper, I saw his love and respect for Cher and for his neighbors, and his willingness to comfort others . Tom always held the door for women, offered to help carry anything, and adverted his eyes when talking to ladies, if there was too much exposed skin.

His walk with the Lord was a witness and blessing to behold and an inspiration for which his legacy will  continue. I look forward to that Glad Day when we will see you again,Tom. 

Until then…

Years ago when Tom was in the midst of dealing with Parkinson, we met for lunch.  At this point in his battle with this disease, it affected his walking and speaking.
     What I remember most is what he said to me and this has forever been etched in my memory.  He made a statement in a similar vein as what Job had said when he learned of his children's death:  "...The Lord alone gives and takes.  Praise the name of the Lord!”
     Tom did not curse God for this disease, but continually looked with awe and adoration towards our Lord.  I know that he has heard the words of well done good and faithful servant.

Tom was one of my oldest friends. In High School, we spent many Friday nights heck raising. We'd go to the video arcade for a couple hours, then go back to his place and break out the Oreos and Pepsi and get crazy. Sometimes we'd play chess until midnight.  

One summer Saturday, we decided to ride our bicycles from our town of Springfield, Oregon to the coastal town of Alsea, where his family had a vacation house. We weren't athletes, just two stupid teenagers who rode their bikes a lot and thought "Why not?".  No map. No cell phone. No GPS. Not even a backpack. Just one water bottle each and a vague idea of the route.  93 miles of back roads and highways and hills.  Took us 14 hours, but we did it.  We were quite exhausted, as you can imagine.

I walked with him through his college years, his marriage to Cher, and his calling to become a pastor.  My family and his are knit eternally.

There aren't many people whose character remains consistent throughout their lives, but Tom's did. His servant heart and submission to God, even when the path was difficult, never wavered.  I will miss him until I join him at Jesus' side.

OBITUARY

Thomas Allen Powell

January 3, 1958 – April 19, 2026

Kahler-Dolce Mortuary

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