"We in the Service Club of Indianapolis give a final salute to our fallen commrade of forty (40) years. Taps will be sounded for him, an outstanding US. Naval Officer of WW!! He will be missed on Mondays and we thanks him for not only his military service but also for his service to our Indianapolis community. "
In loving memory of
William Powell, Powell,
December 31, 1969 - December 31, 1969
Captain William O. Powell, Jr. USN (RET) of Indianapolis passed away peacefully on August 31, 2008. He was 93 years old.
Born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, he graduated from the University of Chattanooga. Bill fell in love with flying and soon was entered into the Naval Aviation Cadet Program in 1938 where he earned his Wings of Gold in 1939. During World War II, he commanded flying boat squadrons and proceeded to spend 29 years in the Navy in various worldwide assignments including command ashore and afloat. While in the Navy, he earned his MBA from George Washington University. Bill retired from the Navy in 1968 with his last tour of duty as Commanding Officer, Naval Avionics Facility, Indianapolis (NAFI). He was awarded the Legion of Merit medal for his leadership at NAFI in its development of the Walleye weapon system, the first smart bomb, and other programs.
Bill then proceeded to Butler University as Director of Development and increasingly challenging positions including Executive Assistant to the President. He retired from Butler in 1981.
From the moment he arrived in Indianapolis in 1966, Bill was a leader in the community. He served as president, chairman or board member on many of Indianapolis? finest charitable institutions. These included, among others, the Community Healthcare System, The Salvation Army, Visiting Nurse Home Care Association, Navy League, Veterans Day Council, Kiwanis Club, Central Indiana Boy Scouts Council and the Service Club. He also found time to play competitive tennis into his 80?s and fish with his buddies.
Predeceased by his cherished wife Emily Sue of 68 years, Bill is survived by his daughters Susan, of Indianapolis, and Pam, of Columbus , Ohio, and his son Bill III (Susan), of League City, Texas; and four grandchildren (Courtney, Justin, Christina and Bill IV) and three great grandchildren (Alyssa, McKenzie and Amber).
A memorial service will be held at the Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel, 740 E 86th Street in Indianapolis, at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5 with a viewing starting at 11:30 a.m. until time of the service. Final interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery. Contributions in Bill?s name can be sent to The Salvation Army, Indiana Division, 3100 North Meridian, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204.