Elmer Roy Powell

One of seven children, Sonny, as he was affectionately nicknamed, grew up in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and played football for Cecil High. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force following his brothers into service during the Korean Conflict. Upon separation Elmer moved to Los Angeles, California to become an electrical engineer and joined Lockheed in their fledgling missile systems. Leaving Lockheed and joining TRW, Elmer again found himself designing and testing components for the aerospace industry in the Apollo program. He was humble about his involvement in the program, yet his contribution was critical. There are numerous, often humorous, stories of Elmer strapping himself onto test beds and into the delivery bays of aircraft during design and testing. He befriended astronauts along the way who confirmed it was Elmer and his team that brought them home from the moon with stories of his creativity. During his contributions to the space program, Elmer married and relocated to Colorado Springs, Colorado where he raised his family in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. After Apollo, he became instrumental in the design of Pioneer, Voyager, and communication satellite programs before joining the Space Shuttle program. He retired after 30 years in the aerospace industry, and continued consulting on communications projects across the country for another 15 years before retiring fully.

Elmer was a scout and continued his involvement as a den leader and a chief in what is now the Adventure Guides with his son Danny. He loved football and watching his son Jon play. On Sundays he would support his favorite teams, The Steelers, and Broncos with Danny and Jon.

You could always find Elmer supporting his sons' sporting events and celebrating their achievements along the way. He was an avid fisherman and camper, sharing his love of the outdoors with Danny and Jon. Elmer loved to take long walks in the woods and keep his yard meticulous. He was immensely proud of his grandchildren and would sing their praises to everyone he knew. He cherished listening to them and spending time with them. A beloved friend to many, Elmer loved helping others and having coffee with his neighbors. In recent summers, he was often found surrounded by family around the pool with a smile on his face.

Elmer is survived by his sisters, JoAnne and Harriet; brother, Jimmy; former wife, Nancy; sons, Danny and Jon; Danny’s partner, Jessica; four grandchildren, Isiah, Layla, Lily and Sadie; numerous brother and sister in laws, cousins, nieces and nephews; and extended family who loved and cherished him.

A private ceremony with family members will be conducted with a memorial service to be announced later.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com for the Powell family.