Lawrence Cecil Powell

Lawrence Cecil Powell, 94, of Saegertown, passed away Sunday, August 9, 2020, at home.

Cecil was born in Woodcock Township, on February 19, 1926, a son of the late Lawrence H. and Edna B. (Ellis) Powell.

On February 19, 1949 Cecil married Marian L. Pearce; she preceded him in death on January 1, 2020. They were blessed to have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

On May 15, 1944, at the young age of 18, Cecil enlisted in the US Navy, serving during WW II as a Seaman, 2nd Class, aboard the landing ship, USS LSM(R)-190. On May 4, 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa, Japanese Kamikaze planes attacked the ship on the South Pacific Ocean. During the attack, Mr. Powell was hit by shrapnel of a falling plane that narrowly missed him. Moments later the ship took another direct hit, which caused it to sink. That day, on the USS LSM(R) 190, 14 service members were killed and Mr. Powell was one of the 18 wounded. Hours later, by the grace of God, Mr. Powell was rescued from the ocean by another US naval ship. His lost ship was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation, for meritorious service in action against enemy Japanese Kamikaze aircraft. As a result of his actions, Mr. Powell was awarded the Purple Heart, the Naval Combat Action Ribbon, the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and the WW II Victory Metal. Cecil was proud of serving his country.

After many years of service, Cecil retired from the former DIC Tool. In the years that followed, he would be found enjoying the outdoors, working in his yard, hunting both small and big game, and gardening. He was happy to share his bounties, especially his sweet corn. He and Marian came to truly love and enjoy their country home. When indoors Cecil enjoyed following NASCAR and he particularly enjoyed following and cheering on his grandchildren and great grandchildren in their many activities. He and his beloved Marian enjoyed taking many trips throughout the US with his sister in law and brother in law, Evelyn and Jim Alexander, always returning with tales of their adventures. Cecil never lost sight of the good, long and wonderful life that he was able to enjoy, knowing he narrowly escaped with his life during his war experience. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and patriot; a man to truly look up to and admire. He will be greatly missed.

Cecil is survived by three daughters Judy Mook (Ken), Sharon Schlosser (Frank) both of Saegertown, Deborah Burke (John) of Berlin, MD; five grandchildren Carter Mook (Josie), Aimee DeLizio (Jim), Chad Schlosser (Judy), Lacey Maze (TJ), Stephanie Burke; six great grandchildren Courtney and Dominic DeLizio, Doreen Mook, Madelyn, Joseph and Andrew Maze; step grandson John Douglas Burke; and step great grandson Logan Coker.

In addition to his parents,and his wife Marian, Cecil was preceded in death by an infant daughter, a brother Edward Powell and a sister Leota Sybrandt

Due to Covid, private visitation will be held at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 330 BROAD STREET, SAEGERTOWN.

Cecil will be privately laid to rest next to his wife, Marian, in Blooming Valley Cemetery, with Military Honors by Vietnam Veterans Post #52 and US Navy Detail, and with Rev. James Riley of First Baptist Church, Townville, officiating.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com