Robert Milnes Powell, 93 years old, passed away peacefully on August 27th, 2021. He was born in Plant City, Florida on November 29th, 1927.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Marlene Powell; 3 beloved children, Daniel Powell, Diane Powell, and Linda Osuna; 7 grandchildren, Jamie Johnson (Craig), Spenser Powell, Cameron Powell, Rachael Arroyo (Luis), Devon Powell, Bryan Amos (Amy), Stephanie Desmond (Joseph); and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Lonnie and LuLu Powell; and two brothers, Walter Marion "Bud" Powell and Richard Powell.
His passion was flying and in 1948 he enlisted in the newly formed USAF where he served for 25 years. Initially he started as a weatherman. In 1955 he had the opportunity to go to cadet school and become a pilot.
In 1957 he was one of a few pilots chosen to fly Lockheed's' secret new high altitude reconnaissance aircraft, the U-2. In 1966 he was among eight other U-2 pilots who joined the SR-71 program as the 9th SRW became operational at Beale. He had many important events in both the U-2 and SR-71. He was very proud to have the most missions over Cuba in the 60's (55 missions). He was also very proud to be the first SR-71 pilot to log a 1,000 hours in the SR-71.
He logged thousands of hours in multiple planes throughout his illustrious career.
He is a Veteran of 2 wars and achieved numerous medals including 17 Air Medals and 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses.
Robert was an American hero and epitomized the true meaning of an officer and a gentleman.
He loved to waterski, bowl, golf, and camp with his family. He traveled the world with his wife, and he will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.
Graveside services will be Friday, September 17th, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. at Sierra View Mortuary.
Appeal Democrat Sept 3, 2021
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Marlene Powell; 3 beloved children, Daniel Powell, Diane Powell, and Linda Osuna; 7 grandchildren, Jamie Johnson (Craig), Spenser Powell, Cameron Powell, Rachael Arroyo (Luis), Devon Powell, Bryan Amos (Amy), Stephanie Desmond (Joseph); and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Lonnie and LuLu Powell; and two brothers, Walter Marion "Bud" Powell and Richard Powell.
His passion was flying and in 1948 he enlisted in the newly formed USAF where he served for 25 years. Initially he started as a weatherman. In 1955 he had the opportunity to go to cadet school and become a pilot.
In 1957 he was one of a few pilots chosen to fly Lockheed's' secret new high altitude reconnaissance aircraft, the U-2. In 1966 he was among eight other U-2 pilots who joined the SR-71 program as the 9th SRW became operational at Beale. He had many important events in both the U-2 and SR-71. He was very proud to have the most missions over Cuba in the 60's (55 missions). He was also very proud to be the first SR-71 pilot to log a 1,000 hours in the SR-71.
He logged thousands of hours in multiple planes throughout his illustrious career.
He is a Veteran of 2 wars and achieved numerous medals including 17 Air Medals and 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses.
Robert was an American hero and epitomized the true meaning of an officer and a gentleman.
He loved to waterski, bowl, golf, and camp with his family. He traveled the world with his wife, and he will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.
Graveside services will be Friday, September 17th, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. at Sierra View Mortuary.
Appeal Democrat Sept 3, 2021
Robert Milnes Powell, 93 years old, passed away peacefully on August 27th, 2021. He was born in Plant City, Florida on November 29th, 1927.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Marlene Powell; 3 beloved children, Daniel Powell, Diane Powell, and Linda Osuna; 7 grandchildren, Jamie Johnson (Craig), Spenser Powell, Cameron Powell, Rachael Arroyo (Luis), Devon Powell, Bryan Amos (Amy), Stephanie Desmond (Joseph); and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Lonnie and LuLu Powell; and two brothers, Walter Marion "Bud" Powell and Richard Powell.
His passion was flying and in 1948 he enlisted in the newly formed USAF where he served for 25 years. Initially he started as a weatherman. In 1955 he had the opportunity to go to cadet school and become a pilot.
In 1957 he was one of a few pilots chosen to fly Lockheed's' secret new high altitude reconnaissance aircraft, the U-2. In 1966 he was among eight other U-2 pilots who joined the SR-71 program as the 9th SRW became operational at Beale. He had many important events in both the U-2 and SR-71. He was very proud to have the most missions over Cuba in the 60's (55 missions). He was also very proud to be the first SR-71 pilot to log a 1,000 hours in the SR-71.
He logged thousands of hours in multiple planes throughout his illustrious career.
He is a Veteran of 2 wars and achieved numerous medals including 17 Air Medals and 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses.
Robert was an American hero and epitomized the true meaning of an officer and a gentleman.
He loved to waterski, bowl, golf, and camp with his family. He traveled the world with his wife, and he will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.
Graveside services will be Friday, September 17th, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. at Sierra View Mortuary.
Appeal Democrat Sept 3, 2021
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Marlene Powell; 3 beloved children, Daniel Powell, Diane Powell, and Linda Osuna; 7 grandchildren, Jamie Johnson (Craig), Spenser Powell, Cameron Powell, Rachael Arroyo (Luis), Devon Powell, Bryan Amos (Amy), Stephanie Desmond (Joseph); and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Lonnie and LuLu Powell; and two brothers, Walter Marion "Bud" Powell and Richard Powell.
His passion was flying and in 1948 he enlisted in the newly formed USAF where he served for 25 years. Initially he started as a weatherman. In 1955 he had the opportunity to go to cadet school and become a pilot.
In 1957 he was one of a few pilots chosen to fly Lockheed's' secret new high altitude reconnaissance aircraft, the U-2. In 1966 he was among eight other U-2 pilots who joined the SR-71 program as the 9th SRW became operational at Beale. He had many important events in both the U-2 and SR-71. He was very proud to have the most missions over Cuba in the 60's (55 missions). He was also very proud to be the first SR-71 pilot to log a 1,000 hours in the SR-71.
He logged thousands of hours in multiple planes throughout his illustrious career.
He is a Veteran of 2 wars and achieved numerous medals including 17 Air Medals and 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses.
Robert was an American hero and epitomized the true meaning of an officer and a gentleman.
He loved to waterski, bowl, golf, and camp with his family. He traveled the world with his wife, and he will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.
Graveside services will be Friday, September 17th, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. at Sierra View Mortuary.
Appeal Democrat Sept 3, 2021
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