Beryl "B.T." Powell

1913 - 2009

Beryl "B.T." Powell, 95, a loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away Friday, July 10, 2009.
Funeral: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Moore Funeral Home-Bowen Road Chapel. Interment: Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Visitation: The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in his name to a charity of choice.
Beryl was born Sept. 17, 1913, in Junction City, Ark., the son of Benjamin and Lou Ella Powell. He married Smithie Behel in Normandy, Mo., on May 5, 1953.
He retired from the Air Force after 31 years of service, and many achievements and awards. His Air Force career included assignments in Japan, Germany, Okinawa, and Central and South America. He participated in the Berlin Airlift, and was crew chief on many B-57 and C-54 transport flights. He was on the third plane to land in Tokyo, Japan, at the end of World War II.
B.T. was a longtime resident of Arlington and was active in the community. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 8561 and was post commander in 1985. He was named Senior Citizen of the Year in Arlington in 1981. B.T. had been a member of the noon Optimist Club for many years. He was a member of the Tarrant County Senior Citizens Advisory Council, and a life member of the Blinded Veterans' Association. He volunteered with the American Red Cross and with Meals on Wheels. He retained his phenomenal memory and sharp mind to the very end.
He was preceded in death by his parents and 10 siblings.
Survivors: Devoted wife of 56 years, Smithie; sons, Charles W. Powell and Michael T. Powell and wife, Carolyn; grandchildren, Amanda, Daniel, Amy and Megan; sister, Gladys Davis.