Harry Powers

POWERS -Harry Powers, 84, of South Pasadena, California, formerly of Amherst, Ohio died Wednesday, July 21, 2002 a fter a short illness at the Eisenhower Convalescent Home in Pasadena. He was born in Madison, Ohio on March 9, 1918 moving with his family to Amherst, Ohio where his father, Fred R. Powers, accepted the position of Superintendent of Schools. In September of 1921, his mother, Ina, a former teacher in the South Amherst School System died from complications following surgery. In October of 1923, Superintendent Powers married Beral Kuss, a teacher in the Amherst Schools Systems. Harry attended Central School a nd graduated from Amherst High School with the Class of 1936. He was awarded a scholarship to Oberlin College where he majored in English and Fine Arts graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1941. He later completed post graduate courses in Education at the University of Southern California. Powers moved to Los Angeles in the Summer of 1941 and accepted employment with North American Aviation which later became North American Rockwell, where he wrote product progress summaries of major programs such as the Air Force F-15, the X-15, the XB-70 bomber and the Apollo project. During his North American Rockwell employment years, he served as 1st Sergeant in the 32nd Infantry Division. He participated in the invasion of the Philippine Islands in October 1941 and subsequently the Army of Occupation in Japan. Retiring from North American Rockwell in 1970 as Senior Management Systems Analyst, Powers joined Union Bank, which later became Pacific Security in Los Angeles. He retired in 1980 as Management Systems Specialist and Staff Assistant to the Division President. A hobby of collecting and restoring antiques led to his opening an antique shop in Pasadena and participating in Antique Shows in the Los Angeles area. Powers was a supporter of the Arts and shared his unique style at the piano cross Country and while in the Army cross Continent. In his early college years, he served as organist at his home church, Amherst Congregational. He later transferred his membership to Oneonta Congregational Church in South Pasadena. Survived by a sister, Mary Miller of Amherst; nieces, nephews, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Fred R. Powers, mother Ina and stepmother, Beral. Burial will be at Crown Hill Cemetery in Amherst, Ohio with full Military Honors. Memorials may be made to an organization or charity of choice.