Edward J. Powers

1943 - 2025

Edward J. Powers, "Ike" of Hoosick Falls, NY passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 18, 2025 at the Samuel L. Stratton Veteran Medical Center. Edward (Ike) was the son of Richard and Agnes Powers. He was a brother to Richard Powers, Margaret Bakaitis, Kathleen Peabody and Barbara Bouplon all of Hoosick Falls NY. He is predeceased by his niece Jennifer Bakaitis, nephew Michael Bakaitis, also brother-in-law Fred Bouplon and sister- in- law Ann Powers.

Ike graduated from St. Mary's Academy in 1962. He pursued his lifelong dream of serving his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1965. He achieved the rank of E5 SSGT. He became an aircraft mechanic assigned to his own plane. Ike was a Crew Chief on a C130 troop and cargo transport. His duties were transporting troops, paratroopers, and wounded soldiers from the field to hospitals at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, near Saigon. He was part of Angel Flights, bringing fatally wounded men from the fields to airbases such as Hicham Field in Hawaii, to be prepared for return to their home states.

Ike served in many areas of the world, including three tours of duty in Vietnam. He received the Small Arms Expert Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, and also the Medal for Efficiency, Honor and Fidelity.

While serving, Ike married Barona E. McKeon, "Bronnie" his high school sweetheart. Ike and Bronnie lived in Abilene, Texas at Dyess AFB, Ike's station assignment.

Upon returning home in 1969 from the military, he would then go on to begin starting an automotive shop in the village of Hoosick Falls, Ike's Service Center, which he operated with his wife for 49 years.

Ike is survived by his wife Bronnie of 57 years, and together for 63 years. Also, his 5 children; Missie (Jim Lee), Calli (Ben Gaines), Wendy (Joe Somerset), Ed (Shannon Whalen) and Allison (Jeremy Gulley). He has 12 grandchildren Cody (Liz), Justin and Tyler Gaines, Logan, Connor, and MacKenzie Powers, Jayda, Jai, and Skylar Gulley, Matthew, Adam, and Hannah Somerset. He also has many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Ike served as the Commander in Chief of the American Legion Hoosick Post 40. He was selected as Grand Marshal of the 2019 Memorial Day Parade.

Along with owning and operating his own Service Center, He also owned and operated Winding Brook Farm with his wife and 5 children. He raised and exhibited registered polled Hereford cattle. They were very proud supporters of Rensselaer County 4H and leased beef cattle to kids who wished to learn about the beef industry and be a part of 4H. He also enjoyed taking his girls to their horse shows.

The Schaghticoke County fair was also one of Ike's greatest joys. Nothing gave him more pleasure than being there for the week with his Kids and grandkids. Ike's grandchildren meant the world to him and seeing them showing their animals, both cattle and horses filled his heart.

Ike enjoyed Drag racing in his younger years at local strips and actually did quite well for himself. He also tried his hand at stock car racing for a while. His need for speed was great, so he funneled it toward legal speeding in a controlled environment, hence drag racing and stock car racing. His other pastime included horses, trail riding, pleasure events, and hide and seek on horseback with the neighborhood equestrians. Yes, I did say hide and seek on horseback ...just think about that for a minute.

Something new to his life experiences is tractor pulling, this one is requiring some adjustments. He'll be watching from afar to see how this turns out. the team is very capable and resilient. Carry on!

Relatives and friends may call at Mahar Funeral Home 43 Main St., Hoosick Fall, NY. On Sunday, June 29th from 3:00 to 5:00. Memorial contributions may be made to the Karen and Molly McGovern Memorial Fund

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 30th at 11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church Main St.,Hoosick Falls NY. Burial will follow at Gerald B .H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.