Jason was born in Abilene, Texas, on July 6, 1983. He lived in Yoakum as a child, moving to Port Lavaca during his school years. He graduated from high school in 2000 at the age of 16 and enlisted with parental permission in the US Navy at 17.
He completed basic training at Recruit Training Command Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois. He served at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA, and at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, WA.
An Aviation Warfare Specialist, Jason worked on many different types of aircraft during his years of service. He became medically disabled and was honorably discharged. He achieved the rank of AM2, Aviation Structural Mechanic Petty Officer 2nd Class.
Jason is preceded in death by his grandfather, Leo Charles Smith Sr. (called Pa) of Eastland, Abilene and Yoakum; grandparents, Ralph and Mary (called Granny) Power of Port Lavaca, and uncle, Larry Power of Port Lavaca.
Survivors include his mother, Sharron Smith Howlett Power (called Mom) and stepfather, Eddie Power (called Pops), both of Port Lavaca; brother Cory Power and wife Kyann of Port Lavaca; sister Michelle Power Boedeker and husband James of Wellborn; sister Melissa Howlett of Abilene; grandmother Barbara Smith (called Ma) of Van Buren, AR; uncles and aunts: Judge Leo Charles Smith Jr. and wife Teresa of Van Buren, AR; John Power and wife Leslie of Pittsburgh, PA; Deborah Smith Takamura and husband Take of Columbus, Ohio; cousins: Takemi, Toshimi, David, Darci and Alex; nephews: Easton, Zachary, Brady, Wesley and Bradley; father, Jimmy Howlett of Abilene, and former wife, Michelle Baker Howlett of Ridgecrest, CA.
Visitation will be held on Monday, May 15, 2023 from 10 - 11 a.m. immediately followed by funeral service at 11 a.m., all at Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home. Interment to immediately follow with full military honors at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery.
Honoring him by serving as Pallbearers are: Wesley, Bradley, Easton, Steven, Gary and Cory. Honorary pallbearers are Zachary and Brady.
The family thanks the dedicated medical professionals who lovingly cared for Jason in his final days. They request that any memorials be made to PAM Rehabilitation Hospital and Hospice of South Texas, both in Victoria, or to Crohn’s and liver disease research.
Words of comfort, condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.richardsoncolonial.com.
