This is a salute to all the soldiers who live through war,
ordinary men and women who somehow put the nightmare behind them
and carry on for those who don’t come home. They work hard to raise
families, make a difference in their communities and leave a legacy
for generations to come.
This is a salute to all the soldiers who live through war, ordinary men and women who somehow put the nightmare behind them and carry on for those who don’t come home. They work hard to raise families, make a difference in their communities and leave a legacy for generations to come.
John Powell, Jr., and Elmo Powell were two young brothers who went off to join the Marines and the Navy respectively in WWII; one came home and one didn’t. John Powell, Jr., joined the Marines and was killed on the island of Okinawa June 9, 1945. John’s younger brother, Seaman 2nd Class Everett (Elmo) Powell, also served overseas. But Elmo returned from the war to raise a family, lend a helping hand to many friends and neighbors and to live as a faithful companion and best friend to his wife Delma for more than 50 years.
His grandson, Brad Ferguson, tells it like this: “I was very fortunate to be born and raised just three miles from my grandparents Elmo and Delma Powell. I do have to tell you that Papa (Elmo) was a good man and one of the best men I know. I spent many days and nights with Elmo and he had a great impact on my life growing up as a child. He was a man who was always there for me with a smile on his face, ready to swap some stories. He was a man who cared more about his family than anything in this world.”
Granddaughter Crissy McKay says, “My Papa was the most honorable person I have ever known. He would tell me stories of growing up with his family and working tirelessly on the farm. He came from nothing to advance through his field in the oil business to end his career as a well-respected oil consultant sought after by many in the industry for his knowledge and wisdom. Along the way he helped raise his three children, loved his wife dearly, honored his parents and adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He would tell of the honor of being able to serve his country and of the pride for his brother who did not return home. He would tell of the rewards of raising his own family and teaching them the lessons of life.”
His life as a survivor of WWII made a difference in the lives of many people as he carried on for both his brother and himself, caring for their parents in their old age and passing along their values to the children and grandchildren who would be the family’s legacy. McKay says, “Upon his death, my grandmother Delma received cards, letters and phone calls from across the country to express sorrow for the passing of a great man.”
His funeral was held the day before Sept. 11, 2001 and McKay says of that day, “The church was packed! Filled with people who wanted to show their respect for a respectable man. This farm boy worked hard, lived a life of honor and grew into the perfect example of what a son, father and grandfather should be. He was a true American hero. I could not be more proud of my Papa. If I die only half the person he was, I will be grateful. God has blessed me so much with the life of my grandfather.”
Men like Elmo don’t think they’ve done anything exceptional. They don’t overcome the horrors of war to love and support their families above all else for the rewards they expect to receive and they don’t earn medals for their effort. But maybe in the end, they’re the most heroic of all.
