Elbert Wells "Bert" Powell

Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Elbert Wells "Bert" Powell, 92, of Hustonville, Kentucky, passed away June 19, 2014 at his home in Valdosta, Georgia. He was predeceased by his wife of over 60 years, Charlene Bennett Powell in 2010. Lt. Col. Powell attended the University of Kentucky where he played trombone in the marching band, was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho and Bit and Bridle. While at UK he was drafted by the US Army for World War II, serving in the European Theater. After the war he continued his education at Kentucky Wesleyan College in Winchester, KY.

During his military career he served the Army in Sendai, Japan, during the American Occupation. He then went on to serve in Korea followed by posts at Ft. McPherson, Georgia, Fairbanks, Alaska, Leavenworth, Kansas, Heidelberg, Germany and Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama before retiring in 1968. He was a graduate of the United States Army War College.

Lt. Col. Powell and his wife made their home in Huntsville, Alabama and Melbourne, Florida before moving to Valdosta, Georgia. Lt. Col. Powell was an avid fisherman and golfer, who participated in numerous civic activities and was devoted to family and his church, The First Christian Church of Valdosta.

As member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), he and other local MOAA members organized and raised money to sponsor the very first Honor Flight in South Georgia. The combined efforts of Powell and many volunteers led to 3 trips for several hundred veterans by May 2008.

Lt. Col. Powell is survived by several nieces and nephews and their families, including George Powell, Tom Powell, Stuart McCrary, Sally Montgomery, Martha Ann Crouse, James Powell, and Smith T Powell. A memorial service for Lt. Col Powell and Mrs. Powell will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Langdale Hospice House, 2263 Pineview Dr, Valdosta, GA 31602. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.



Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602