Lawrence Felix Powell, Sr., 80, of Orange, Texas, passed away on December 12, 2017, in Port Arthur, Texas.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation will be under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home.

Born in Wiergate, Texas, on December 4, 1937, he was the son of Will Felix Powell and Palestine Powell. He was a Korean War veteran where he proudly served in the United States Air Force. Lawrence worked in law enforcement for over 40 years, serving the citizens of Orange County as a deputy sheriff and as a reserve deputy. He also served as deputy constable in both precincts 1 and 2. Lawrence was a charter member and helped start the Little Cypress Volunteer Fire Department. He loved serving the community and helping people in need. He loved God, family, friends and country. Lawrence served as the grill master for several bbq benefits. Brother Powell loved going to open mic singings at church on Friday nights to share the gospel of Jesus. His favorite song to sing to his bride of 62 years was I Hope We Walk The Last Mile Together by The Happy Goodmans.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Will and Palestine Powell; two children, Lawrence Powell, Jr. and Loretta Powell; and siblings, Minnie Flannagan and husband Patrick, Samuel Powell and wife Alice, Dorris Miller and husband Robert; and brother in law Herold Hannah.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Dorothy Christmas Powell; children, Billy Powell and wife Francis, Sharon Powell, Michael Powell and wife Aubrey, and Charles Powell and wife Denise. He is also survived by his sisters, Del Hannah and Laverne Branham; and his brother, Doug Powell and wife Latoya.

Lawrence was blessed to have a large close knit family. There are 25+ grandkids ranging in age from 10-35. “Paw Paw” loved each and every one of them dearly and prayed for them daily. He appreciated the phone calls and visits and was even more blessed to have Chase and Chey close enough to see daily to “check on the old people”.

There were 15+ great grandkids also that were the apple of Paw Paw's eyes. He enjoyed taking pictures of 3 generations when they gathered for family celebrations. His great-grandchildren range in age from 3-17. One of the family’s fondest memories is of Lili telling Paw Paw to feel better when she came for a visit. He loved each and every one of them. Lawrence’s family only wishes he would've lived longer, so he could have met, held and loved his newest great-grandchild Wyatt, who is due in January.

Thank the Lord this is just see you later and not goodbye, because we will be reunited as a family one day and we will sing and rejoice and celebrate Jesus for all eternity.