Desmond William Powell Jr.

SAN ANGELO Desmond William Powell Jr., 83, of San Angelo, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 30, 2014, in San Angelo. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, 2014, at Johnson's Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014, in Johnson's Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Mike Andress officiating. Interment will follow in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Desmond was born Jan. 30, 1931, in Knott, Texas, to Desmond William Powell Sr. and Kathryn Skinner Powell. He grew up and lived in Big Spring all of his life. He served his country honorably in the United States Army from 1948 to 1952, and earned a Purple Heart during his time in the Korean War. After the service, he worked for 38 years at the Big Spring State Hospital as a psychiatric social worker and was known for his work in the adolescent unit. Desmond also started the Halfway House Program. He married Dixie McCuistion in 1973, and they shared 41 loving years together. In 1994, they retired to San Angelo and traveled extensively throughout the United States meeting many people and making many friends along the way. Their love for auctions and antiques led to their love for buying and selling collectibles which they display at the ABA Annex Mall in San Angelo. Desmond had numerous other interests in life; he was an avid reader which allowed him to have a vast knowledge to do almost anything. He wore many hats and was able to help almost anyone on any project. He also loved his cast iron cooking. Desmond was a loving husband, father and grandfather who devoted his life to his family and helping people and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepson, Leslie Richardson; and his sister, Susan Brackenberry. He is survived by his loving family: wife Dixie Powell of San Angelo; his children, D.W. Powell III and his wife, Tina, of Midland, Daury Powell of Wichita, Kansas, and Rhonda Lefever and her husband, David, of Big Spring; his grandchildren, Justin Lefever of Cleburne, Texas, Cody Lefever of Hennessey, Oklahoma, Shelby Lefever of Big Spring and Charli of Midland; and his three great-grandchildren. The family requests that donations be made to Hospice of San Angelo; the American Cancer Society; or a charity of your choice. Family and friends may sign an online register book at johnsons-funeralhome.com.