The Life of Thomas Warner Powell
Thomas W. Powell mostly known as Tommy, was born on March 20, 1939 and joined our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 12, 2011 at 11:20 pm at the Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX. Tommy was survived by his loving and caring wife of 50 years, Barbara Hall Powell, four daughters and son-in-laws, Carol Ann and Rusty Strozier of Ruston, LA, Robin and Troy Champeaux of Houston, TX, Terri Lynn and Steven Boudreaux of Navarre Beach, FL, and Peggy and Jonathon Pryor of Houston, TX. Seven grandchildren, Haley, Tara, and Beatty Strozier, Brock and Josh Boudreaux and Thomas and Robin Pryor and his two sisters, Elizabeth Carlson of Wilmington, NC and Peggy Grant of Plaquemine, LA. He was the son of Lucille Ackal Powell of New Iberia, LA and of the late Prentiss Powell. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Charles Powell.
Tommy resided in New Iberia where he served as Deacon of Highland Baptist Church. He also was Master of Aurora Lodge number 193 where he held a 32nd degree. He later moved to Lafayette where it became home. He was a member of the Day Break Sunday School class at First Baptist Church.
Tommy was a loving husband, an amazing father as well as father-in-law, and an incredible pawpaw. As he would say “it's not exaggeration, just fact”. Tommy was a very likeable person. He had many friends and never met a stranger. Like the song says, he would drop everything, run out and crank his truck, hit the gas and get there fast. He never asked what was in it for him.
Tommy referred to his wife as a China doll. She was the prettiest girl he ever laid his eyes on. Where in December of 1960 he married the girl of his dreams.
He was a man that taught loyalty, integrity, honesty, and incredible work ethic. He retired from the oil field industry in 2003. Loved the outdoors, hunting was a major part of his life. He was an undying LSU fan, never missed a home game in 35 years. After he was sick he never missed a televised game. He was an avid story teller where he delighted his daughters and grandchildren when telling stories of Uncle Remus and Brer Rabbit. He was also known to many as Polideaux, which he entertained when telling Cajun stories and jokes.
Growing up Tommy played football at New Iberia High School as a running back and ran track in the 100, 220, 440, and 880 yard dashes. He was so competitive. He made his fastest run in the 100 yard dash in 9.7 seconds. He enjoyed it so much. He was playing football and injured his knee. The coach taped it up and said “this should be good for a touchdown” Tommy said “no, three touchdowns” and he did.
Tommy was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis in 2003. After a wonderful second chance at life for 7 years with two transplanted lungs, he succumbed where he fought a long hard battle for the past 5 years. He always stayed strong because that was the kind of man he was. He was and always will be a fighter, no matter the outcome, he always came out a winner. Although he never served in the military he loved his country and was proud to be called an American. Before his departure he raised his hands and talked with Jesus and he said that Jesus told him he was preparing a place for him in paradise. He leaves his family with strong love and many memories.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday June 18, 2011 at First Baptist Church of Lafayette. Reverend Steve Horn will conduct the services. Visitation will be held at Delhomme Funeral Home of Lafayette on Friday from 2:30 pm until 9:00 pm and will resume on Saturday from 8:00 am until the time of services. Musical selections will be performed by Tommy Bell, Carol Ann Strozier and Peggy Pryor. Readings will be recited by Elizabeth Carlson and Kathy Bernard.
Masonic graveside rites will be held at Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery immediately following services.
Pallbearers will be Sheriff Louis "Brother" Ackal, Henry "Tank" Powell, Tommy Powell, Reddock Windham, Randy Ferrell, Ronnie Lasseigne, Glenn Carlson and James Duck.
The family would like to thank Kathy Bernard, Josh Stutes, Danielle Johnson, Cecilia Hebert, Dr. Harish Seethamraju, Dr. Ramesh Kesavan, and the caretakers at Methodist Hospital, Dunn 4 and 10th floor ICU for their loving and compassionate care for Mr. Powell during his illness.
Memorial contributions may be made in the name of Mr. Powell to the First Baptist Church of Lafayette, 1100 Lee Avenue, Lafayette, LA, 70501.
Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
