Thomas E. Powers, Sr.

Thomas E. "Potsie" Powers Sr., 77, of Washington, died Saturday, February 24, 2007, in Donnell House, Washington. He was born February 6, 1930, in Manifold, a son of Edward J. Powers and Marie Welsh Powers Shoup. He was raised by his maternal grandparents, Thomas and Lydia Welsh, in Philly Patch (Canonsburg). Mr. Powers attended Canonsburg High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951 and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal. He retired from the Washington Police Force in 1988 with the rank of Lieutenant after 241/2 years service. His nickname was Potsie. Mr. Powers also was employed at Washington & Jefferson College in the security department. Additionally, he worked at Ambulance and Chair Service, William G. Neal Funeral Home and Washington Cemetery. He was an active member of American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175, Elks Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 95, and Canonsburg Sportsmen's Club. He was a committee man in Boy Scouts of America Troop 1012 and was involved in the advancement of Eagle Scouts. Mr. Powers was a member of Immaculate Conception Church and, along with his wife, volunteered at John F. Kennedy Catholic School. He enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren and attending their sporting events. He also enjoyed traveling, history, hunting and classical music. On April 26, 1955, he married Theresa "Betty" Sonson, who survives. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2005. Also surviving are three daughters, Fran Powers and companion Greg Jordan of Harrisburg, Anna Marie and husband Ed Bonner of Canonsburg, and Nancy and husband Bill Robinson of West Palm Beach, Fla.; a son, Thomas Jr. and wife Janet Powers of Castle Shannon; five grandchildren, Brooke Bonner, Mitch Powers, Patrick Bonner, Alexis Powers and Elizabeth Robinson; a sister, Alana Shoup Elliott and husband Jim of Washington; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Deceased are two brothers, Edward, who died in childhood, and James. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 395 East Maiden Street, Washington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 28, in Immaculate Conception Church, Washington, with Father William Feeney and Father John Forbidussi as celebrants, followed by burial in Washington Cemtery. Military rites will be accorded graveside by American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 357 East Maiden Street, Washington, PA 15301; Donnell House, c/o Washington Hospital Hospice, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301; Immaculate Conception Church, 119 West Chestnut Street, Washington, PA 15301; or to John F. Kennedy Catholic School, 111 Spruce Street, Washington, PA 15301.