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MGySgt (Ret) Charles Milton Powell, Jr., a true American hero, was promoted to his eternal command in glory on July 27, 2024, surrounded by family. Charles was born June 13, 1925, in Flora, Indiana to Charlie and Nora (Sheets) Powell.
He married the love of his life and the mother of his children, Esther Bishop, on March 22, 1946. The two were married until her death in 1994. He later met and married Sandra Bliss and the two celebrated 26 years together.
Charles served a career in the United States Marine Corps. Enlisting in 1943, he served during three wars: World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. During his time in the service, he had the pleasure of serving around the world with some of the finest men and women. While Charles holds many accommodations, some of the notables are the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with V for valor. He was a member of the American Legion Post 101 in Nowata where he recently served as Vice Commander as well as a member of the Disabled American Veterans.
After his retirement from the Marine Corps, Charles started Cox Cable in Saginaw, Michigan. He then worked for Federal Mogul Seals as a Plant Manager. After his retirement from Federal Mogul, he relocated to Nowata in the late nineties and he and Sandy became “snowbirds” traveling between their home in Nowata and their home in Arizona.
Charles was an avid game player and absolutely loved to play cards, especially if he was winning. In fact, every Thursday night was family game night. He also had a profound sense of humor and was well known to be a jokester. Often, his joking involved being ornery and picking on someone; but that was his love language. A devoted family man, Charles had a love for children.
While serving in the Marine Corps in San Diego, he established an orphanage. As an Eagle Scout himself, he continued to be active with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts wherever he was stationed with his family. Charles also loved to camp and started out in a truck bed camper; however, later in life he “upgraded” to bougee camping and bought a travel trailer. Many fond memories were made on those various camping trips.
Charles is survived by his wife, Sandy, of the home; children, Linda Richey (Scott) and Jerré Andrew (Phillip) of Rossville, Indiana, Lisa Duggan (Jim) of Nowata, Oklahoma, Stacey Wilson (Mark) of Skiatook, Oklahoma; step-children, Jeff Black (Vickie) of Nowata, Oklahoma and Greg Black (Jenny) of Colorado; 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and a band of brothers, fellow Marines.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie, and Nora Powell; first wife, Esther Powell; stepson, Randy Black; three sisters; and three brothers.
A combined Celebration of Life and Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in the Benjamin Funeral Service chapel. Military Honors will be performed by the United States Marine Corps Funeral Detail at 5:00 P.M with a eulogy officiation by Pastor Wendell Abbott. Visitation will follow until 7:00 P.M.
Interment will be later in the Rossville Cemetery, Rossville, Indiana.
Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com or on the funeral home Facebook page.
Arrangements are in the care of Benjamin Funeral Service.
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