William Red K Power Sr

AGE: 89 • Manahawkin

William K. Power Sr., passed away peacefully on Monday, March 5, 2012, at the age of 89. Bill, originally of Trenton, married his high school sweetheart, Gladys Ford, in 1944. They had 2 children, Dr. William K. Power Jr. and Joy E. Power to whom they dedicated their lives. He was predeceased by his wife, Gladys; and his brother, Robert B. Power.

Bill spent 4 years as a combat infantryman, a Ranger, with the HQ Company of the 397th Battalion attached to the 100th Division in the European Theatre of Operations. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Clusters, the Combat Infantryman's badge and Croix de Guerre for his distinguished service. After the war, he began a 37 year career with New Jersey Bell beginning as a lineman and finishing as a regional power engineer. He was a 60-year Master Mason raised at Cyrus #148, Pennington, New Jersey, and was a member of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon and the Crescent Shrine Club of Trenton.

After retiring to the LBI/Manahawkin area in 1980, his passions included his children along with his grandchildren, Kristin, William III and James. He was an avid fisherman and was very active in local Stafford Township politics. He served six years on the Southern Regional school board, sat on the Stafford Township Municipal Authority, Stafford Township Historical Society, The Stafford Township Republican Club, American Legion Post 511 and the Village Harbor Fishing Association.

In addition to his children and grandchildren, he is survived by his beloved daughter-in-law, Carol Smith Power; two nieces, Marie Power-Barnes and Caroline Power Gangl; and his sister-in-law, Eleanor Ford Cash.

Friends are invited to visit from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 9 at Thos L. Shinn Funeral Home, Manahawkin. Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 10 at the historic Manahawkin Baptist Church. A Masonic ceremony will precede burial. In lieu of flowers, his family requests contributions to the Stafford Township Historical Society, PO Box 1097, Manahawkin, NJ, 08050.

His spirit, energy and character will be missed by all that knew him.