Raymond Conway Powell was born on December 24, 1922 in Big Spring, Texas. In 1942 he enlisted in the US Air Force where he became a member of the 8th Air Force 44th Bomber Group and achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He served in the Air Force from 1942-1945 during which time he was stationed many places stateside and finally in England where he completed 37 successful bombing missions over Germany as a copilot of the B24 Bomber.
After the war he became a flight instructor in Orange, Texas where he met and fell in love with Estelle Frank. They were married on October 5, 1947. In 1948 he became a student at the University of Texas in Austin and graduated in 1950 with a degree in Industrial Engineering. He became a sales engineer with Johns Manville where he worked from 1950 to 1975 when he retired.
Raymond enjoyed many leisure activities including boating, water skiing, fishing, and camping. He was a gifted artists in water color and pen and ink medium, using nature as his subject. He was also a member of a senior stage band where he played saxophone. He and Estelle enjoyed many wonderful opportunities to travel all 50 states, Europe, and New Zealand.
Over the years Raymond has been a member of the Episcopal community, most recently St. David-Denton, where he served as a vestryman, lay reader and chalice bearer.
Raymond passed away on June 26, 2016, in Denton, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Owen and Nellie Powell, and 2 brothers, Billie Powell and Kenneth Powell.
Raymond is survived by his wife, Estelle, his 4 children, Gary Powell of Huntsville, Lisa Rabenaldt of Carrollton, Douglas Powell of Highland Village and Carolyn Germany of Huntsville, 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, brother Goodwin Powell and sister Helen Powell Rome and a host of other family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Saint David's Episcopal Church in Denton or any of the numerous veterans organizations.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Tuesday June 28, 2016 at Mulkey Mason Funeral Home, 705 N. Locust, Denton. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 PM Wednesday June 29, 2016 at Saint David's Episcopal Church, 623 Ector St., Denton. Rev. H.D. Herman will officiate the service.