Robert Howard "Bo" Powell

Robert Howard "Bo" Powell, 77, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014. Memorial service: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at the Cowtown Coliseum, 121 E. Exchange Ave., in Fort Worth's Stockyards. One meets few like Bo Powell in their lifetime. He was a colorful character and lived an equally colorful life. He was many things, from a conductor on the railroad to truck driver to disc jockey, where his voice became well known in the Fort Worth area and the house announcer for Cowtown Jamboree at Panther Hall. It was while working on radio and Panther Hall where he launched many a career, most noticeably that of Willie Nelson. Bo took a liking to Willie, and when Panther Hall sales for an upcoming performance were slow, Bo played Willie's songs on the radio for days, either songs sung by Willie or by others, always mentioning Willie had written them. By the night of Willie's performance, the house was sold out and disappointed customers turned away at the door. Bo appeared on Willie's album "Live at Panther Hall," and they remained friends until Bo's death. Bo was a well-known artist who gave away many paintings and pen and ink works. His murals can be found inside and outside buildings all across Texas. Bo Powell was a living legend whose life was the envy of all who listened to his tales of adventure and calamity. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Robert and Jeanette Powell; sons, Mark Robert Powell and Daren Thomas Powell. Survivors: Son, Robert Leahy Powell; sister, Sharon Richardson; brother, William Michael Powell; nieces, Cecilia Mitchell, Michele Pelkonen and Katie Powell; and so many people who were honored to call him "friend."