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Robert Powell Obituary
Robert E. "Moe" Powell was born on January 12, 1929 in Hagerstown, Maryland and passed away on May 9, 2012 in Long Beach, California. Overcoming adversity was his lifelong prophecy. One of ten children, he was on his own at the age of 12 after the passing of his mother, Olive. He delivered milk before school and lived at the local YMCA. It became known as Young Moe's Central Apartments. He enlisted during World War II and using the GI Bill attended Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania. He was called back to serve in the Korean Conflict and then returned to Shippensburg to finish college where he played football and was the president of the Varsity Club. He attributes his discipline and work ethics to the U.S. Navy. At the peak of the Vietnam War, Moe was a COO, responsible for operations, maintenance and logistics for the U.S. Air Force Base, Wake Island. During this time, the family made many trips to Hawaii to meet him. In 1975 he left corporate America to begin his own company providing protective covers for military vehicles and aircraft. Several years later he ventured to the Middle East providing operation and maintenance for power generation and desalination plants. He spent many years in the Sultanate of Oman and Saudi Arabia. Moe made it possible for many people from Oman to come to Long Beach for medical care at Memorial Hospital. He had a love of U.S. history and was a passionate Democrat. He had a genuine heart that would help others before he helped himself and was considered a hero by his children and grandchildren. His will to survive his painful medical conditions was admired by all. His life ended when his body could no longer support his gregarious mind. Moe is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Marilyn Ann; daughters, Cris Sladek (Rick) and Karin Maligie (John); grandchildren, Krista Sladek Byers (Jim), Jenna Sladek, Michael Sladek, Kara Maligie, Ryan Maligie, Matt Maligie; and great-grandson, Jack Byers. He is also survived by two brothers and two sisters. His courage and bravery through years of medical problems inspired us all, and the memory of his smile fills us with joy and laughter. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity. Please sign the guestbook
at www.presstelegram.com/obits.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Powell
Vickie Layton
May 23, 2012
Another one of the Greatest Generation has left us. I am very sorry for your loss. Mr. Powell was a member of the Last Man's Club of World War II in Hagerstown, Post 42. My Dad, Larry Martin, was also a member of the club and he passed away a few months ago. These wonderful veterans touched so many lives. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Sincerely, Vickie Martin Layton
Butch Parales
May 21, 2012
Dear Powell family,
It is with deep sadness to learn that Moe passed away just recently. I was searching for his contact information to thank him for giving me that chance in 1987 to work for him. I know I would not be where I am today if not for that opportunity. And it's not only me in my family that owe him such graciousness. My Dad worked for him in the Middle East and my father-in-law in Wake Island. Both of them are in the grace of our Lord and hopefully are reunited with the most savvy yet humane and compassionate soul that is Moe Powell. I am very lucky to have known the man. God Bless.
Schaul
May 21, 2012
To Moe' s family and friends: He was a larger than life kind of guy and lived a life full of love, good deeds and wonderful adventures..Michael Schaul, Chair Trustee, Shippensburg University
Bill Ruud President, Shippensburg University
May 16, 2012
Marilyn, Cris, and Karen,
The Ship family and all the Varsity Club members -- past, present and future -- are sorry to hear about the loss of a great husband, father, and member of the Ship family. Know that we are all thinking about you.
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Mr. Powell in Hagerstown
Ronnie Marquez
May 15, 2012
Dear Mrs. Powell and Family,
I am so sorry for Mr. Powell's passing. I was blessed for having worked for him during those two-and-a-half extraordinary years way back in 1989 to 1992. He had this rare strength of will and spirit that he was able to endure his physical pain for so many years. It was his deep love for you and your wonderful family and your affection and caring that sustained him through all these years and made it worthwhile for him to keep fighting and keep seeking for relief instead of giving up.
I can still hear the happy tone of his voice and the way his face lit up whenever he called you on the phone from Oman or when he met you all at the airport - and - especially his grand kids: Mikey, Jenna, Kara and Krista. They were a constant source of his happiness and inspiration. I cannot believe how grown up they must be by now. My mind is still wrapped up at a time when if I was with him arriving at the airport, his grand kids would come running towards him to greet him and talk to him. They always got his full and undivided attention.
He taught us all his employees in Oman the value of hard work by his own example and everybody respected him from our cooks to our engineering managers. We all considered him both friend and role model and felt very lucky to be at his employ.
He made the world a better place and I will always treasure the time I spent with him. Please accept our deep condolences.
Jim and Chris Italiano
May 14, 2012
Dear Marilyn and family. We were so sorry to hear about Moe's passing, but know his pains are gone. Our prayers are with you and are glad to have known such a wonderful person.
Tak Kataoka
May 13, 2012
To Marilyn, Cris and Karen,
Very sorry to read in PT that Moe had passed on. He is pain free and back to his 'ol self' again. My deepest sympathy. Tak
Robert Berry
May 12, 2012
You guys have lost a treasure. I only wish that I had gotten to know him better over the past 45 years. I am sure that he is in a better place now, and free from the pain that has tormented him for all these years. God bless.
May 12, 2012
Marilyn, Cris, and Karen,
We are so sorry for the loss of your wonderful husband and father.
God Bless you all,
Mary Mote and Family
Susan Mote Sharkey, and Family
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