Kenneth Reese Powell

Col. Kenneth Reese Powell went to be with the Lord on January 2, 2025. “Pookie” as he was known by his friends and family, was born in Aliquippa PA on January 21, 1946. After graduating from high school, Ken attended Valley Forge Military Academy. He then graduated with multiple degrees from West Virginia University and the Army War College. He spent over 30 years in the United States Army in the field artillery and operations field. He was stationed in Oklahoma, Germany, St. Louis, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and the Pentagon in Washington D.C.

After his military retirement, he worked for a Department of Defense contractor facilitating meetings in several other countries including Japan, Spain, Austria and more. He and his devoted wife Dianne continued a life of service from their home in Trent Woods NC. Ken was a “Big Brother” mentoring young men. He and Dianne were active in the American Legion, Carolina East Foundation, and the US Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. The “Carolina Classic” golf tournament raised millions of dollars in scholarship money for children of Marines and Navy soldiers.

Ken was a faithful member of Garber United Methodist Church and travelled on many mission trips to build orphanages in Russia. He and Dianne fostered a Belarussian daughter, Natasha during for several- summers.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Wilma. He is survived by his loving wife Dianne, daughters Tricia Powell of San Diego CA, Tracy Powell of Los Angeles CA, Linda Gifford of Pensacola FL, Laurie Armstrong of League City TX. ,and five grandchildren as well as many other family and friends.

Ken’s last message written in 2011 before his battle with Alzheimer’s/Dementia read as follows:

“I would not have changed anything in my life. I loved life and had a good life. Most of all I loved my wife Dianne and our four daughters. I am at Peace.”

The family would like to thank the staff at The Cottages Alzheimer’s /Dementia care in League City, Divinity Hospice, and all the doctors and health care professionals that helped with Kenny’s care.

A memorial service for Ken will be held at Garber United Methodist Church in New Bern NC at a later date.