Thera Wilbert Powell

Last Rites Held for Thera Powell Dec. 17

Thera Wilbert Powell was born March 5, 1884 at Elk Creek, Neb., one of twelve children born to James and Ida Powell. His boyhood was spent in and around Elk Creek and Crab Orchard where he also attended school.

At the age of 21 he came to Sioux County and took a homestead twelve miles southeast of Harrison. During the early years of his residence in Sioux County he worked at Agate and for local ranchers while carrying out his homestead contract.

On October 2, 1912 he was married to Isabelle Walbridge of Pierre, S. Dak. Three sons were born the youngest living only a few days. The family lived on the ranch making many friends in the course of their efforts to help build a thriving and neighborly community. In 1942 they moved into Harrison where Thera accepted the responsibility of custodian of the Sioux county High School for two terms. They then moved to the Clarence Zimmerman ranch where they made their home until deciding to settle permanently in Harrison. At this time Mr. Powell became custodian of the grade school. He served the community in this capacity for 14 years, always endeavoring to make life more pleasant, not only for teachers and pupils of the school, but for anyone who might need his help, cheer or encouragement.

Mr. and Mrs. Powell celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary on October 2, 1962. His wife died November 14.

Surviving are two sons: George W. of Crawford, and Robert D. of Chadron; two brothers, Albert and Carl; five sisters, Ethel, Helen, Ellen, Elsie, and Alberta; Seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held in the Methodist Church at Harrison on December 17 with Rev. James Keith officaiting. Interment was in the Harrison Cemetery. Mrs. Bill Coffee and Mrs. Harry Serres accompanied by Mrs. M. H. Koch at the organ sang "I Will Sing You a song", "Abide With Me", and "Sweet Peace, the Gift of God's Love."

Pall bearers were Richard and Dale DeHaven, Art and Russell From, Leslie DeKay, and Milford Brewster.

Out-of-town friends here for the funeral were: Elmus Corbin, Mrs. Gladys Lee and Mrs. Katherine Thorton of Mitchell; Mr. and Mrs. Ben Corbin of Heminford; Mr. and Mrs. Richard DeHaven, Mr. and Mrs. Don Ainslie, Mr. and Mrs. Percy Yoakum, and Mr. and Mrs. Roger Yoakum of Chadron, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Leetch, Casey Hamaker, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Russell, Mr. and Mrs. Orville Corbin, Mr. and Mrs. G. E. Heimer, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Homrighausen, Mr. and Mrs. Glen Homrighausen, Mrs. Pearl Daughery, and Mrs. Mabel Hamaker all of Crawford, and Marren Bigelow of Lusk.

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