Gerald "Buster" Powell

Gerald “Buster” Powell, 86, of Hemphill, Texas, passed away on November 28, 2019, in Beaumont, Texas.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, December 1, 2019, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Judge Dennis Powell. A graveside service and burial will follow at 4:00 p.m. at Sycamore Cemetery in Burkeville, Texas.

Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 12:00 p.m. at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Born in Camden, Arkansas, on February 24, 1933, he was the son of Thurston Powell and Ruby (Bearden) Smith. Buster proudly served his country in the U. S. Navy during the Korean War, and later served in the U. S. Air Force. After his military service, Buster worked for Owens Illinois (Inland-Orange). Later, he owned the Spinnin’ Wheels Roller Rink and the Ridge Runner Club. Buster then went on to work as a self-employed refinery inspector for many years before retiring. He enjoyed cooking, woodworking, fishing, and spending time with his family. Buster will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by parents, Thurston Powell and Ruby Smith.

He is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn “Sue” (Turner) Powell; his children, Dennis Powell (Connie), Michael Powell (Rosa), Leah Gidney, Thurston “Buddy” Powell, Will “Bee Gee” Powell (Brandy), Stephany Mugleston (Kenri), Trina Norwood (Jimmy), and Stacy Tilley (Wendell); his grandchildren, Shawn (Allyson), Amanda (Ernest), Jennifer, Chace (Mitchell), Rikki (Jessie), Layne, Korina (Brian), Peter, Derek, Sage, Kaitlin, Tyler, Logan, Shay (Kari), Lacey (Landon), Cameron, Delaney, Nick, Chad (Sara), Kaycie (Lance), and Kellie (Stephen); as well as 29 great-grandchildren; his brother, Don Powell; and 1 niece and 2 nephews.

Serving as pallbearers will be Chad Norwood, Lance Ellis, Stephen Vaughan, Cameron Powell, Shay Powell, and Shawn Butler. Honorary pallbearers are Ronnie Bryant, Dale Carter, Jay Braxton, and Bobby Dan Turner.