Frederick Lewis Powless

Frederick Powless passed away peacefully after a short hospital stay at the age of 68, on April 2, 2023 at Washington Veterans Home in Retsil, WA with Barbara, his wife of 38 years, beside him.

Fred was born on September 4, 1954 in Port Angeles, WA. He was the oldest of five children. When he spoke of his memories of his early years, he enjoyed road trip vacations with his family traveling from Washington to Alabama to visit his maternal relatives. Those road trips were planned every two years and each time they traveled a different route so the family could explore all the national parks and many historical and interesting places along the way. They used a station wagon or van along with a camp trailer, and also a camp kitchen made by his father.

His junior high and high school years he was very active singing bass in choir and playing drums in the school bands. He especially enjoyed jazz band in high school.

He joined the US Navy in 1972 following graduation. He played in the Navy band and even had the privilege of playing drums in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Following his time in the Navy band, he studied as an electrician and worked at a Navy base in San Diego as a ground support electrician parking and moving huge airplanes on the flight line.

In the spring of 1976, he was in an auto accident and he sustained a brain stem injury that would change his life forever. After waking from a week-long coma, he was disoriented and had to relearn many things including recognizing relatives and events. He worked closely with his parents every night relearning spelling, math, and reading. He was diligent and never quit learning. He graduated from Port Angeles Community College with an associate degree in Electronics.

He worked for 35 years for Puget Sound Naval Shipyard as a marine electrician until he retired in April 2017. He was able to do some traveling following that time; however, he soon needed a hip replacement and only gained mobility for a short time. After a fall, he was wheelchair bound for the remaining 3-1/2 years of his life.

In spite of all his issues, he shared the Powless family sense of humor. He will be missed by his wife, family, siblings, relatives, and friends as well as the nursing home caregivers.

Fred is survived by his wife Barbara Powless, his daughter, Tiffany Butler (Trey Butler), and his siblings, Annette Umbarger, Jon Powless (Rene’ Powless), Janelle Umbarger, Margie Powless (sister in law), as well as his nieces, nephews, cousins, and other assorted family; and many caring friends.

Fred is preceded in death by Richard Powless (father) and E. Davelene Powless (mother) and Mark Powless (brother).