POWERS
On January 16, 1933, a tiny baby was born to Marvin and Ruby Powers in Goose Creek, Texas. Although his birth certificate said Baby Boy Powers, at the age of sixteen, he was officially named Darrell Ray Powers. In his younger years, he was called Puny, but 88 years later, he was best known as Papa. Darrell married Marilyn Socha on September 15, 1956. Together they had five children. Mickey, Steve, John, April, and Stacey. He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law Cam Graves.
From a young age, Darrell had an adventurous spirit. He flew a plane at 16 and later he and Marilyn traveled by RV to 49 states often accompanied by family and friends. Before graduating from Texas A & I in Kingsville with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Husbandry, Darrell served in the army and was stationed in Germany.
From Kingsville, Darrell moved his family of three to Lake Jackson where he worked for Dow Chemical. The family grew from three to six and then Darrell moved his family to El Campo where baby number five was born, and his family was complete. After working for Dow, he tried his hand at farming. Of all his jobs, D.R. liked farming the best. Before retirement, which truth be told was his favorite gig, D.R. had more adventures as a small business owner and finally as an ag merchant at East Bernard Milling.
While Darrell’s adventures were vast, nothing compared to the love and pride he had for his family. He is survived by his wife Marilyn – his co-pilot and adventure planner for a month shy of 65 years. His children Mickey Powers and wife Kay of Bernardo, Steve and wife Donna, April Graves, John Powers, and Stacey and Bobby Vesely all of El Campo. He was immensely proud of all his grandchildren going to every sporting event, rodeo, and pageant he could. His grandchildren include Jill Powers, Cullen Powers, Katherine Schneider, and husband Luke; Fran Powers and Charles Ray Powers; Alexis Kramr and husband Adam, Garret Graves and wife Leah, Callie Terry and husband Mack; Holly Vesely, Darcey Methner and husband Chris. Also, great-grandchildren Lani Graves, and Wells, and Rocky Kramr.
On August 12, 2021, Darrell left his earthly home in Bernardo, Texas, for one last grand adventure. From his wonderful life, one could most certainly learn to love your family with your whole heart, to enjoy the simple things in life but be on the lookout for treasures, read a book, take a nap, eat good food, take things slow, and most definitely take a road trip.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Roch Catholic Cemetery in Mentz, Texas.
Memorials may be given to St. Roch Catholic Church, 1600 Frelsburg Rd, Alleyton, TX 78935 or Bernardo Volunteer Fire Department, 2845 FM 949, Cat Spring, TX., 78933.
Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.