Thomas M Powers, age 89 passed away peacefully at his home March 1, 2015. He was born in Miami, FL on February 2, 1926. He was a World War II Veteran of the Air Force, and served in the Pacific Theater as a nose gunner of a B24. He was shot down over the Pacific Ocean and bailed out for hopes of survival. He tied knots in his pant legs and swung them over his head to catch air and keep him floating. After treading water for 20 hours, the USS Seafox rescued him. He received the Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross for his service. After his honorable discharge , he attended The College of William and Mary, and later became an independent sales representative for the milk industry. After retirement, he stayed busy golfing and working on many art projects. He is survived by his wife Willa of 64 years, his two children Dr. Valerie Chorvat (Jan) and Thomas W. Powers (Joann), and 4 grandchildren Will, and Teresa Chorvat, and Thomas R. and Hannah Powers.
