John Magner Powers - Obituary

ohn (Jack) Magner Powers, 85, of Heritage Harbour in Annapolis, died of heart disease on July 13, 2009 at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Born in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late John Thomas Powers and Dr. Leversia L. Powers of Rockville, MD. Mr. Powers graduated from Peddie Preparatory School in Hightstown, NJ and received a bachelor's degree from Pennsylvania State University and a master's degree in educational administration from the University of Pittsburgh. A WWII combat veteran, he served in the U.S. Army 8th armored infantry battalion. After crossing into Europe the 2nd day after D-Day, his half track tank chased Germans across France, Holland and Belgium. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star. His career included teaching and he was the principal of two elementary schools in Allegheny County, PA. He retired as a budget and policy analyst from the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, DC. He was an avid golfer, square dancer and bridge player and a long-time member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Annapolis. He was a volunteer with the Annapolis Visitors Center, the Paca House and the Budget Committee at Heritage Harbour. He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Eleanor, whom he married on August 14, 1948; his sons, Thomas Powers of Charlotte, NC and Jeffrey Powers of North Potomac, MD; a daughter, Susan Meyer of Silver Spring, MD; seven grandsons and one granddaughter. Friends are invited to Jack's Life Celebration at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD on Thursday, July 16 from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8PM. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 17 at 11AM at Calvary United Methodist Church, Annapolis, MD. Inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Calvary United Methodist Church, 301 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401 or the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216. Please sign the online guest book at www.kalasfuneralhomes.com.