William R. Bill Judge Powell, Jr.

Bill was born August 4, 1926, in Evansville, Indiana to William and Nellie Powell. He grew up in Sturgis, Kentucky. Following graduation from Sturgis High School in 1944, he served in the United States Air Force in France and Germany as a remote control gunner on B-29's. Thanks to the G.I. Bill, he enrolled at Western Kentucky University, graduating in 1950 with a BA Degree.

He soon went to work for American General Insurance Company, which brought him to Houston, Texas, where he met his first wife. Eventually, he decided to pursue a dream and continue his education, receiving his Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law in 1961. He was awarded the Scholarship Key from the Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity. After 23 years as a trial lawyer, Bill was elected to the bench of the 80th District Court (1984) where he served until he retired, accepting Senior status in 2011. The State Bar of Texas honored him for "Valuable and meritous service as a member of the Bar for more than 50 years".

His wife of 40 years passed away in 1995. On a Thanksgiving trip to see his daughter, he had the good fortune to meet the fraulein who would become his second wife. Bill moved to San Antonio and for 20 wonderful years has enjoyed her company, her devotion, and her many German friends and family!

The Judge loved the law, flying his plane, and playing golf with his wife at Windcrest Country Club. He was a fan of the "good music" of the 40's and 50's, and had a soft spot for a rescued cat appropriately named, "Spot". He was a man with a dry wit, a stern demeanor, and a good heart, and he will be sorely missed!

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, and his first wife, Jeri Lacy Powell. He is survived by his beloved wife of 18 years, Luise Powell; daughter, Deborah Snell Sagor; sister, Peggy Gregory; grandniece, Druanne Dalton and husband Erick and their two children, Ainsley and Evan.

The family would like to thank the doctors and devoted staff at Methodist Stone Oak Hospital for their care and compassion.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, October 26, 2015, at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

SERVICE

TUESDAY

OCTOBER 27, 2015

12:00 NOON

PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL

Interment with Military Honors will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to San Antonio Pets Alive! 210 Tuleta Dr., San Antonio, TX 78212, 210-370-7612.