Dr. Benson M. Powell II

He attended Washburn University and DePauw University before receiving his B.S. in Medicine at Northwestern University in 1948 and his MD at Northwestern University in 1949. He interned at Kansas City General Hospital No. 1. His residency in General Surgery was at Research Hospital, Kansas City 1949-1952, Chief Resident Surgery and Senior Resident Thoracic Surgery, Wadsworth Veterans Administration Hospital, and Leavenworth, Kansas, 1952-1953. He then entered the USAFMC in May of 1953.

In September of 1949 Dr. Powell married Dorothy Blair and they had six children together.

Dr. Powell was in private practice in Topeka, KS from May 1955-1998, specializing in both Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. He was a brilliant surgeon. He pioneered many techniques and procedures in the field. He was an intuitive physician who believed that the mind played a significant role in healing. Dr. Powell was honored with many Fellowships and Society memberships. He was very active in the Topeka medical community of St. Francis Hospital, Stormont Vail Hospital and Santa Fe Hospital. He was also a consultant for surgery at Forbes Air Force Base.

In addition, he had a long-standing relationship with The Sisters of Charity in Leavenworth which continued when he moved to Colorado.

Dr. Powell loved flying and was designated an AME (Civilian Flight Surgeon) for the FAA in 1966.

In addition, he was able to provide medical service to small, underserved communities in Kansas, that would otherwise not have access to a doctor by flying his own twin engine Baron aircraft.

Dr. Powell was a Mason affiliated with the Topeka Lodge #17 A.F. & A.M.; York Rite & Arab Shrine AAONMS, and also a member of The Flying Physicians Association. In addition, he was an active member and past president of the local Audubon Society.

In 1981 he married Brooks Carden Mooney Woollcott. Before retirement, they enjoyed spending the summers at their cabin in Spring Creek, CO, where they found a warm and welcoming community of friends. Once retired, they moved to their home in Grand Junction, CO where he enjoyed exploring Colorado's beautiful nature and of course, fishing!

Benson is survived by his wife of 42 years, Brook M. Powell. He also leaves behind his 6 children: Linda Dunton, Paul Powell II, Becca Moots, Judy Lindhardt, Penny Jenkins, and Christin Rzasa and 2 step daughters, Corinne Nassen and Johanna Woollcott. In addition, he is survived by 16 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, and his brother William Richard Powell and his 3 children.