Vernon Eugene Powell

He was born on March 8, 1947, in Amarillo, Texas, the son of Neville Eugene and Betty Hiesel Powell.

Butch proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Gunner’s Mate aboard the USS Rogers during the Vietnam War, notably playing an integral part in assisting the USS Enterprise, after a rocket explosion and ensuing fire killed 28 sailors and injuring hundreds of others. After his military service, he went on to retire from Yellow Transportation. Butch was a man of deep faith and a devoted member of Christ Gospel Church in Tyler, TX. Above all, he cherished time with his family and friends. To those who knew and loved him, he wasn’t just a grandfather—he was the best PaPaw ever.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his infant sister, Wilma Jean Powell, who he now joins in eternal rest.

He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Betty Reed Powell; his children, Shonda LaNise Gaworski of Oil City, PA, Karri Anne Lewis of Gypsum, CO, and Zachary Reed Powell and his wife Leigh Ann of Westminster, CO. He is also survived by his sister, Jerry Bellamy and brother, Joe Powell and his wife Kathy, of Amarillo, TX.

Butch was a proud grandfather to Macallan Gaworski, Madison Gaworski, George Urah Lewis III and his wife Rebekah Anne, Dyllan Wade Lewis, Reed Truscott Powell, and Goldie Ann Powell. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Mary Margaret Raleigh Lewis, George Powell Lewis, and a precious baby girl expected soon.