Tom Powell, April 20, 1941 - August 11, 2017
Tommy (Tom) Gene Powell, husband, father, friend and cowboy, passed away after a long battle from Parkinson’s disease on August 11, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family. He was 76 years old. Tommy was born in Salinas to Clifford and Della Powell.
Tommy graduated from Salinas High School in 1959. He worked on the Bridge Crew, operated the crane and drove transport truck for the Department of Public Works for 36 years. He was a Life Member of The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Assn. He qualified for the National Finals in Team Roping in 1967. He was a member of Native Sons of the Golden West Castroville Parlor for 47 years. Tommy loved roping, baseball and football, and basically all sports either televised or in person. Tommy loved TV. When Tommy went roping he always took his small television. Then he and his friends would gather around the truck watching the games in between roping. He could watch a game on television and listen to one on the radio and tell you what was happening on both.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jo Ann; daughter, Amy; step daughter, Molly Hansen; his sister, Sharon (John) Chandler, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Special thanks to VNA and Hospice. A Memorial Mass celebrating Tommy’s life will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 22 Stone St., Salinas, Calif., 93901. Celebration will follow in the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA and Hospice, PO Box 2480, Monterey, CA 93942.