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Thomas Powell Obituary
September 21, 1949 - April 24, 2022
Santa Cruz, California - Thomas Orville Powell, 72, of Santa Cruz, CA, passed away on April 24, 2022 in Santa Cruz from complications with pulmonary fibrosis. He was born on September 21, 1949 in Smithville, MO.
Tom was the son of James Clinton and Margaret Sue (Hobbs) Powell. He grew up in Kansas City, KS and graduated from Washington High School '67. He married Barbara Jean Boyce in '68 and they had two daughters. He lived in Omaha, NE, Treynor, IA, Humble and Arlington, TX, Bethlehem, PA and Aptos, CA before settling in Santa Cruz.
Tom served in the US Army in the Vietnam war from '69-71. He attended the University of Kansas where he received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and earned his MBA in Finance at the University of Nebraska Omaha. He was a financial executive at Union Pacific Corp. for 22 years and the Vice President & CFO for Skyway Freight Systems 3+ years before becoming a stock trader at TOP Trades for 20+ years. He was also the member of the Toastmasters and several Vietnam Veteran organizations.
Tom's passion was baseball. He visited all major league ballparks seven times. He loved cycling, bird hunting, the Kansas Jayhawks and travelling around the world. But nothing was greater than his love and dedication to his family.
Preceded in death by his parents; wife Barbara of 34 years; daughter Sheila Renee Powell; sisters Judy Lynn Powell and Sandra Jo McCoy
Survived by daughter Jennifer Marie (Brent) Henke of Council Bluffs, IA; brother Clinton Lee (JoAnne) Powell of Shawnee, KS; granddaughters Ashton Nance of Lakeland, FL and Jehna Cleary of San Antonio, TX; grandson Ricky Miller and great-grandson Ezra of Bossier City, LA; longtime partner Susan Vanover of Santa Cruz, CA; stepson Mark Vanover of Capitola, CA; step daughter Nicole (Ed) Taylor, step grandkids Ava and William of Los Gatos, CA; brother in laws John (Gail) Boyce of Montgomery, TX and William Boyce of Houston, TX; nephews, nieces and several cousins.
Military funeral honors will be held on Friday August 5, 2022 at 10:00 am at Leavenworth National Cemetery (150 Muncie Rd, Leavenworth, KS 66048). Celebration of life luncheon will be held after the service for family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the Huntington's Disease Society of America (505 Eighth Avenue Suite 902 New York, NY 10018) https://hdsa.org/get-involved/tribute-memorial-donations/.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Powell
Sponsored by Kansas City Star.
6 Entries
Douglas Droese
June 20, 2025
Now that 2025 baseball season is in full swing, memories of Tom circulate frequently. We miss you!
Russ Harris
April 27, 2024
Hard to believe it was two years ago. I often pass by Tom's house on Swanton now recalling when I would just stop and bang on his door shouting "Permission to Come Aboard" often being greeted with some Off-The-Wall ribald, comment. I would go to the coffee machine which I knew how to work and brew us a couple of cups. The long engaging conversations would ensue. Family, Baseball, Politics, Travel, Bike Riding, His Vietnam service; all interesting, informed and informing. Sometimes serious; often hilarious. This was an immeasurable loss.
Doug & Renee Droese
April 25, 2024
Tom would always put together video's for Christmas get together with friends. Many baseballs games and lunches on the wharf in Santa Cruz and just hanging out. Tom will be missed forever.
Scott Burns
April 24, 2024
I miss you Tom. You were a great boss, friend, family man, and baseball fan. Thank you for all you did for me, I'll never forget you!!
Russ & Jeannie Harris
August 4, 2022
Tom you will be missed!
You were a dedicated Father and Grandfather and a true fighter against Huntington's!
RIP
Susan Welker
June 26, 2022
The world and the alumni of Washington High School lost a great man with the death of Tommy. I've known him since grade school and always considered him a friend. I wish peace and love to his family.
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Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel - Santa Cruz1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
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