Noel Gene Powers

Noel Gene Powers, 87, passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 3:00 am in Port St. John, FL. His daughter Gwendolyn was at his side holding his hand. Earlier in the day his family had gathered around their "Pop" for a final time.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Delores May (Wunderlich), Daughter Candy Lynn, Parents Chester & Bessie Kent, brothers Dale wife Betty, Lester wife Anita, Paul. (Paul's wife Delva lives in Wichita KS), Bennie & sister Velda.

His family includes: Daughter Gwendolyn King husband Larry, Stephanie Knight husband James. Grandchildren:Kevin Knight wife Jessica of UT, Bridget LeBoeuf husband Scott of PSJ, Jonathon Knight wife Amanda of PSJ. Great Grandchilden: Julian Knight of UT, Jayden & Logan LeBoeuf of PSJ, Noel (namesake) & Raymond Knight of PSJ. Brother-in law Harry Wunderlich of Wichita KS, Sister-in law's Betty Hamilton of Derby KS & Dottie Simmons of Severy KS. Many nieces & nephews.

Noel Gene Powers was born in rural Piedmont, KS at home. He worked on the farm & attended school. While in high school he met Delores Wunderlich. The year of his graduation he asked her to be his wife. In November of 1954 they were united in marriage. They moved to the big city of Wichita, KS. Noel began to work for Love Box Company until he turned 18 & could work for the airplane giant, Boeing. He started working on B-52 Bombers in Wichita then on to working on planes in CA. He was offered a position working on a new concept rocket for moon exploration, it was too good to pass up. Joining the aerospace movement at the end of Mercury with the Saturn V, Apollo missions would be the start of a career that would last more than 52 years. At the end of Apollo there was a brief detour to Everett, WA and back to planes. But space had gotten into his blood. When asked if he wanted to move to FL to again join the space program, he jumped at the opportunity. So once again he loaded up his family & headed literally across country. This time the trip was made in January across some terrible winter weather. Noel and family lived in Merritt Island for a few years before spotting a new house at the front of a small community called Port St. John. There he could look down the river to see his workplace, the VAB. Working on the space shuttle was some of the most rewarding years of his life & also the most difficult. Having to explain what happened to the Challenger to his young Grandson was something no one could imagine. He went on to receive numerous awards & commendations. He LOVED his job and was proud of his contribution to history! He retired to spend time traveling around the country with his wife Delores & dogs. Noel felt so blessed for those times especially when he lost the love of his life suddenly to a brain aneurysm in 2014. He was Baptised after her death which gave him great peace in believing he would be with her again. Over the years he took great pleasure in seeing KSC come back to life. He always enjoyed the Space X launches and knowing there would be future space exploration.

He was "POP" to his Grandchildren and great Grandchildren, but he was "DADDY" to his loving daughters. He was always there for his family. He is forever loved and will be deeply missed.

"You can take the boy out of Kansas, but Kansas was forever in the man"!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brevardmemorialfuneralhome.com for the Powers family.