Thomas E. Powers

Tom was born on January 24, 1958. In Rahway, NJ to Raymond F Powers and Elizabeth Sanborn. Tom was the eighth of eleven children. Growing up, Tom couldn’t wait to leave NJ and start his career in the AF.

After graduating from Woodbridge High School in 1977, he joined the Air Force, and his first duty station was Malstrom AFB MT. It was at his next duty station, Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque, NM that Tom met and fell in love with his soul mate, Cheri Lynn Bailey. They would marry on December 11, 1982, before Tom was deployed to Suwon Korea for a year while Cheri waited for him to come home. Once home, they travelled cross country to Florida to visit Disney World for a delayed honeymoon. Their first duty station was Hahn AFB Germany. They left Germany after 3 years expecting their first child. Kayleigh Renee was born at Andrews AFB MD in 1987; later Meredith Bailey joined their family in 1993. While at Andrews AFB, Tom received orders 15 days after Iraq invaded Kuwait to deploy to Abu Dabi UAE to open the port. The final duty station for Tom and Cheri was Peterson AFB CO, where they decided to retire. Tom had come back from a 3-month TDY to the Gulf and decided that it was time – his time in the service wasn’t “fun” anymore.

The Powers family moved to Colorado in 1995. He loved living in Colorado and enjoyed being outside fishing, walking the dogs and enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids play soccer. Family and friends were always extremely important in his life. He always enjoyed every moment with his family, even more so during the holiday season. Any time when he could get everyone around the table and love could fill the air, he was his happiest.

Tom leaves behind his devoted wife and best friend of 40 years Cheri Powers; loving children Kayleigh Thornton (CJ Thornton) and Meredith Powers (Tony Shelton) of Colorado Springs, CO; precious grandchildren Rory, Collins, and Laney; siblings and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Tom will be laid to rest at the Pikes Peak National Cemetery surrounded by friends, family and loved ones on Thursday, October 26. A Celebration of Life will follow on Saturday, October 28. Please contact the Thornton family for location and time.

Cheri’s message to TOM

*Love you always and forever Mr. P -BDB

*And yes, I would marry you again and again and again.

Meredith’s message to DAD

*Laney will forever miss her nap partner. You were the world’s best Pop Pop!

*I know I was your favorite daughter. Love you Dad <3

Kayleigh’s message to DAD

*Who’s your buddy, who’s your friend? Pop-Pop, Always Love Rory and Collins

*Love you Daddy, forever making you proud-Love your true favorite daughter.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Swan-Law.com for the Powers family.