- Date Of Birth: July 3, 1926
- Date Of Death: June 24, 2013
- State: Oklahoma
Ernest Floyd Powell, 86, of Norman, passed away June 24, 2013. Ernest was born July 3, 1926 in Newalla, Oklahoma to Floyd Allen and Lucy Edith (Geyer) Powell. Ernest grew up in rural Pottawatomie County near extensive extended family. Much of his younger years was spent near the Shawnee Lake where he developed a love of fishing. Ernest proudly served his country in the US Army Air Force during World War II. After returning home at the end of the war, Ernest attended Shawnee Baptist University and the University of Oklahoma. He met the love of his life, the beautiful Serena McKinnon in 1946 and they were married on November 23, 1947.
Ernest began his life long career in insurance at the age of 22 with National Life and Accident and later with Midland Life. Ernest added district manager to his sales credentials and continued to work well into his eighties. In additional to working, Ernest enjoyed OU Football, history, fishing, but his greatest joy was his family. Ernest and Serena loved most of all being with their children and grandchildren. He was a great story teller and spent time regaling his children and grandchildren with tall tales from his childhood. As his family grew and the children and grandchildren moved away from Norman, the family developed a summer tradition of returning to Norman on Ernest’s birthday for a combination family reunion and
birthday celebration. All who could, made the sojourn home making the fourth of July a major holiday for the family with lots of good times had by all.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Starlin and Bill Powell, and two sisters Freda Powell and Lillie Watts.
Survivors include his loving wife of 66 years Serena Dean Powell; two sons Ron Powell and wife Debbie of Norman, and Kevin Powell of Norman; daughters Catiana McKay of Chicago, Patty Thomas and husband Randy of Oklahoma City, and Cindy Luster and husband Steve of Orlando, Florida; two sisters Pat Allbritton and husband Ralph of Mt. Dora, Florida, and Maxine Bates of Norman; eleven grandchildren, five great grandchildren with two more on the way; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.
The Powell family would like to extend special thanks to the Lifecare Hospice staff.
