Raymond Phillip Powell
1927 - 2004

Memorial services will be held this Saturday, Feb. 14, at 2:30 p.m. at the Lone Pine Church of the Nazarene 
for friends and family of Lone Pine resident Raymond Phillip Powell.

Ray was born in El Centro on Nov. 27, 1927, and died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on 
Feb. 8. 2004, after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer.

In 1948, Ray joined the Army Air Corp, attending control school, Aviation Cadet School and pilot training.  
The Army Air Corp soon after became the U.S. Air Force.  He served in the Korean War for nine months from 
1950-51 as a reconnaissance pilot.  He completed 100 missions and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross.  
Ray separated from active service in 1954, and continuously served in the Air Force Reserve until 1980, 
achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel.  In 2003, he was awarded the 50th anniversary Korean War Medal of 
Freedom.

As liaison officer for the USAF Academy, Ray was very proud to advise and assist five students from this 
area into the Military Academy and into successful military careers.

Ray served the Lone Pine community as Lions Club president, Lone Pine Unified School District board 
president, co-founder of the Lone Pine Film Festival, president of the Chamber of Commerce for seven years, 
president of Inyo Associates, member of Community Services District Board and owner-manager of the Best 
Western Frontier Motel.

He flew for Bob White's Flying Service in Lone Pine as a charter pilot for more than 20 years, accumulating 
7,000-plus hours of flying time throughout his career.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved to 
travel and be with his friends.

Raymond is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kerry Ellen Christenson Powell of Lone Pine; son, and 
daughter-in-law, Gary Brian and Cathy Powell of Lake Arrowhead; son, Martin Raymond Powell of Lone Pine; 
grandchildren, Travis Franklin Powell of Chico, Jared Galen Powell and Colin Zachry Powell of Lake 
Arrowhead, Breanne Powell Thompson of Northridge, and Whitney Ellen Powell of Bakersfield; and many nieces 
and nephews.

"Ray was loved by all in the community and will be missed," loved ones said.

The Inyo Register, Bishop, Inyo County, California
Thursday, February 12, 2004 - Page A-2
Transcribed by Pat Houser for Inyo County GenWeb, March 25, 2005