Thomas Patrick Powers, Jr

Thomas “Thom” Patrick Powers, Jr. passed away on October 14th, 2024, at age 81 in Lakeland, Florida. Thom was born in Chicago, Illinois to Thomas Patrick Powers, Sr. and Louise Edmonson Powers. Thom is survived by Dorothy, his wife of 59 years, his older sister Linda Powers Bilanchone, his loving daughters, Tracey Ritter (Brad) and Jackie May (Tim), and his grandchildren Lindsey and Ryan Ritter and Matthew, Melody, and Aniya May.

Thom attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and served in the Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. During his 21-year career, Thom served his country through deployments in Vietnam and Cambodia, two tours to Germany, and two stints at Fort Knox just to name a few. He was awarded many medals for his service including the Bronze Star and the Joint Service Commendation Medal. Upon retirement from the military, he served another 12 years as a civilian contractor at MacDill AFB.

After settling in Tampa, Thom enjoyed playing softball on many different leagues in his free time. When he retired from the sport, he ranked #9 on the all-time leaders list for hits (over 2000) and #11 for runs for the St. Petersburg Half Century Softball Club. Thom also loved his career as both a football and basketball referee, earning the Florida High School Athletic Association’s “Florida Active Official of the Year Award” in both sports. Thom was passionate about all sports but was an especially dedicated fan to the Army and University of Miami football teams, the Chicago Bears and his beloved Chicago Cubs.

Thom’s life will be celebrated at a military burial on November 27th at Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg, Florida. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Lewy Body Dementia Fund of the American Brain Foundation at https://give.americanbrainfoundation.org/give/346929/#!/donation/checkout.

Thom was deeply devoted to his family and his country - serving both with a gentle and kind spirit that will be truly missed.