Timeline for Lemuel Powell
Born: August 12, 1946
Died: February 16, 2014
Lemuel “Lem” Brewton Powell, a longtime resident of Galveston County passed away suddenly this past Sunday at the age of 67. Lem was born in Huntsville, TX on August 12th of 1946 to Elbert and Virgie Powell.
When Lem was 17 years old he joined the Navy and proudly served 2 tours in Naval Security Services, Vietnam. In 1969, he was stationed in Galveston on the USS Hainsworth and later was a part of Special Boat Unit 22 in the Naval Reserve.
In 1970 Lem worked as a Reservist for the Galveston County Sherriff Department.
In 1975 Lem proudly became a member of the Galveston Police Department and served the citizens and visitors of Galveston honorably for 26 years. He served in several divisions, including Vice and Narcotics. In 1978, he helped create and train the Galveston Police Department’s first Dive Team where he later acted as a supervisor. Lem was a certified armorer, instructor, and held a Master Peace Officer License. He was a tireless worker, working many extra jobs which included Mardi Gras where he was the head of security for the Krewe of Maximilian and also worked in security at Moody Gardens. Lem retired in 2000 as a patrol officer in the West Isle.
In 2000, Lem became involved with the Masonic Lodge. Within months, he was raised to the degree of Master Mason in Tucker Lodge 297 in Galveston, TX. Lem went on to serve as Past Master in both Tucker Lodge 297 (2003) and La Marque Lodge 1325 (2007), as well as serving as Marshall of La Marque Lodge since 2008. He served as District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District 31B in 2012 and District Deputy of the York Rite Chapter and Council in 2013. Lem was presently serving as Senior Warden in the San Felipe de Austin Commandery, and was Past High Priest and Thrice Illustrious Master in the York Rite Chapter and Council as well as the Knight Masons and Allied Masonic Degee bodies. He was a plural and endowed member of Tucker Lodge 297, La Marque Lodge 1325, Rising Star Lodge 429, and Harmony Lodge #6.
Lem was a mentor and a leader to many. He proudly taught firearms at College of the Mainland and Police Academy in the position of Range Master. Lem was one of the first to teach CHL at the college level. Police Academies were his favorite interactions with students, and although the training was difficult the Cadets grew to respect and love him.
In 1993 Lem met the love of his life while working an extra job at Ashton Villa. Two years later he and Janet were married and settled in their home in Texas City, TX. The two of them enjoyed entertaining family and friends at their Annual Easter Party. He was blessed with a ready-made family, large extended family, and many friends. Although Lem traveled extensively in his Naval career, somehow he found himself having fun at sea again on the many cruises he and Janet set sail on. Since Lem loved nature, he and Janet sailed on an Alaskan Cruise twice.
In 2000 his first granddaughter was born. Since Lem had never raised a baby, Alison planted herself deep in his heart. She was his Sweety Pie. In 2005 his first grandson Ashton was born. He played with him and could not wait until he was big enough to shoot. Then came his little rascal Aidan in 2006, and he and his pawpaw had a special bond. In 2009 his Sweet Pea Audrey came into his life and it wasn’t too long until she had her pawpaw wrapped around her little finger. He brought her such peace when she would sit on his lap and suck her thumb while holding his thumb. In 2010, Stephanie and Chase came into his life when his step-son Jim married Jodie. Natural or not, Lem’s love for children was evident in his relationship with Stephanie and Chase. In 2011 his Sweet Pops Aven was born. Aven and his pawpaw loved to rough house and laugh.
Lem is survived by his wife, Janet T. Powell; step-son, James A. Daigle Jr. and his wife Jodie M. Daigle; step-daughter, Jennifer A. Rose and her husband Detective Anthony L. Rose; grandchildren, Stephanie P. Solis, Alison S. Rose, Chase H. Morris, Ashton J. Daigle, Aidan W. Daigle, Audrey S. Rose, and Aven A. Rose; brother, Thomas Elbert Powell Jr. and wife Carolyn Powell, as well as numerous family and friends.
Lem loved to share his life stories in his colorful and humorous manner. He was a nature lover, mentor, craftsman, history buff, provider, neighbor, friend, Paw-Paw and loving husband. He was a gentle giant who never met a stranger.
As expressed by Rabbi Jimmy Kessler, Lem was a truly special soul returned to his Creator and our world is darker. Lem blessed all who knew him and learned from him. May his family know comfort from his cherished memory, may we who mourn gain comfort from our time with him, and may his soul rest in peace.
Lem’s family will receive visitors beginning at 5:00 pm, Thursday, February 20th, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home.
Funeral service will be 10:00 am, Friday, February 21st, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home with burial following at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston.
Pallbearers will be officers of the Galveston Police Department.
Lem you were a good friend to us all. May you rest in peace. God be with you. Martin
I was very saddened to learn of the passing of Lem. I worked with him a number of years at GPD before his retirement. Some of my fondest memories of Lem were during my first tour in Vice & Narcotics working the Narcotics beach detail on weekends from Spring throughout the summer. We worked in 4 officer teams riding around in Lem's old pickup truck dressed as beach goers we were able to make scores of arrests and blend into beach crowds to monitor criminal activity. When we broke for lunch we would usually go to Apache on Post Office Street where we enjoyed good food & great conversations. In later years I recall Lem's patience & patented sense of humor as one of GPD's lead firearms instructors during monthly qualiticafion sessions. The entire GPD family has truly lost one of it's best former assets with Lem's passing. To that extent I would offer these words of comfort to all who knew Lem. I refer to it as the GPD Evening Watch motto which is: "Non Solus" - meaning "Never Alone".
A shipmate and a great friend. Rest in Peace my friend.
Lem and I were shipmates at SBU22 long ago, serving together on the same PBR. I learned a lot from GM1 and loved listening to his stories. Fair winds and following seas, my brother.
Uncle Lem, you will truly be missed!! My prayers go out to the whole family at this very sad time. Love always, Nicki
I met Lem February 10 the first time as our instructor for the Beginner Firearm Safety Class at COM. Gentle Giant describes him best of all; wonderful instructor and so patient, putting me at ease. Lem was so relaxed with a room full of first timers. I will not forget his calmness and stories of his life and his family. It was obvious the grandbabies each one a cherry on top. Mr. Lem will be missed, I wished I could have meet him sooner and had the opportunity to have learned more from him. I will not forget his kindness and gentle manner. God Bless him and his family.
Lem and I went through the degrees of Freemasonry together in 2000, soon after I graduated college. He and I would always talk before and after lodge meetings about life, politics and family. He looked out for me when he patrolled the west end, keeping me out of trouble more than he would admit. I'll never forget him. My deepest condolences to the Powell family.
Janet, We just received a call that no one wishes for. We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers. Lem was a wonderful man and good friend.
My Deepest Sympathy to the family and RIP to a very special friend of my dads who is now in heaven as well. You were a wonderful person to a man I called UNCLE LEM as a little girl growing up.. God Bless Your Family..
I'm so sorry. I'm praying for your family. I didn't know him very well but he must have been a very fine man. Lisa Spangler
Lem was great guy. We served together on the night watch of GPD. Everybody called us Mutt & Jeff...He had a special nack of driving along the beach with the door of the patrol car open and picking up Sharks teeth. He will certainly be missed by all.
Wow! Went to requalify and was told he was gone..What a great person and firearms instructor Lem was..Rest in peace soldier..
Hold tight to your memories for comfort, lean on your friends for strength, and always remember how much you areloved by all of us. Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow, you are in our prayers.
Our sincerest condolences to all the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lem was a great guy, so glad we got to visit with him at the last Galveston Retired Police Officer's get together.
Lem you were a good friend to us all. May you Tezt in peace. God be with you. Martin
Our thoughts and prayers our with you at your time of sorrow.
Tiffany, so sorry for the loss of your uncle. Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers. Love y'all very much so.
I am so very saddened to hear of Lem's passing. I knew Lem many years ago when he and my dad (Mike Berg) were in the Navy Reserves together. They were good friends during those years and we visited Lem often. I have so many fond memories of him and I even used to think of him as a second dad of sorts. He was a kind and giving person and was a great comfort to me when my dad passed away two years ago. I will miss him. I wish you peace during this time of sadness.
Lem was a Brother Mason and a friend and mentor. He talked me into my first Glock hand gun and was essential to my learning how to shoot it correctly. He followed me in the line in several Masonic bodies in the Dickenson area and was always working to make things happen. There will be a big void to fill with Lem gone, but I know that he has paved the way for a good future by his guidance. He was a good friend, and a good Man to know.
Lem was a kind and fun man that I grew up around as a child. My father Ken Yoakum considered him to be a good friend. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family from the Yoakum family. Sorry for your loss.
Many fond memories. The Yoakum family wishes to give condolences. He was a long time friend to my husband. Myself & my children give our sympathies. Claurica Yoakum
It was an honor knowing Lemuel Powell. He was a good man and will be missed. Captain Dennis Harris: Texas City Fire Marshal
Lem will be greatly missed by members of La Marque Masonic Lodge and myself. My Family loved Lem and Janet for all they have done for us just by being friends.
My deepest condolences to the Powell family during this trying time. He was such a great person and wonderful mentor. He had great patience with people and a wonderful sense of humor. As we would say in the Navy--rest in peace brother. We have the watch now. Cheryl Jackson {Port of Galveston PD / Hitchcock PD)
My dearest oldest Sister. My heart is as heavy as yours. I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your love. Lem was a gental giant and I know in my heart he is with God our Father and all his relatives and ours. You know Hes seen our Mother by now as she would not let him get passed her. She loved Lem so very much. Ill see yall on Trursday at the visation. My heart hurts so very much for you and your entire family. I do so love you
I was thinking about u today and decided to search u on Google to see if u still instructed at college of mainland, but instead found this obituary.... You were a great instructor and definitely involved in the process of my success here at Houston PD. You were a grandfather thru the week of instruction and I can see how other students call u paw paw. Rip good sir, prayers, and watch over us!
Help tell the story of Lemuel by contributing to the Life Event Timeline. Upload the photo of an event...
Post an Event
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Malloy Funerals & Cremations.
Lem you were a good friend to us all. May you rest in peace. God be with you. Martin
I was very saddened to learn of the passing of Lem. I worked with him a number of years at GPD before his retirement. Some of my fondest memories of Lem were during my first tour in Vice & Narcotics working the Narcotics beach detail on weekends from Spring throughout the summer. We worked in 4 officer teams riding around in Lem's old pickup truck dressed as beach goers we were able to make scores of arrests and blend into beach crowds to monitor criminal activity. When we broke for lunch we would usually go to Apache on Post Office Street where we enjoyed good food & great conversations. In later years I recall Lem's patience & patented sense of humor as one of GPD's lead firearms instructors during monthly qualiticafion sessions. The entire GPD family has truly lost one of it's best former assets with Lem's passing. To that extent I would offer these words of comfort to all who knew Lem. I refer to it as the GPD Evening Watch motto which is: "Non Solus" - meaning "Never Alone".
A shipmate and a great friend. Rest in Peace my friend.
Lem and I were shipmates at SBU22 long ago, serving together on the same PBR. I learned a lot from GM1 and loved listening to his stories. Fair winds and following seas, my brother.
Uncle Lem, you will truly be missed!! My prayers go out to the whole family at this very sad time. Love always, Nicki
I met Lem February 10 the first time as our instructor for the Beginner Firearm Safety Class at COM. Gentle Giant describes him best of all; wonderful instructor and so patient, putting me at ease. Lem was so relaxed with a room full of first timers. I will not forget his calmness and stories of his life and his family. It was obvious the grandbabies each one a cherry on top. Mr. Lem will be missed, I wished I could have meet him sooner and had the opportunity to have learned more from him. I will not forget his kindness and gentle manner. God Bless him and his family.
Lem and I went through the degrees of Freemasonry together in 2000, soon after I graduated college. He and I would always talk before and after lodge meetings about life, politics and family. He looked out for me when he patrolled the west end, keeping me out of trouble more than he would admit. I'll never forget him. My deepest condolences to the Powell family.
Janet, We just received a call that no one wishes for. We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers. Lem was a wonderful man and good friend.
My Deepest Sympathy to the family and RIP to a very special friend of my dads who is now in heaven as well. You were a wonderful person to a man I called UNCLE LEM as a little girl growing up.. God Bless Your Family..
I'm so sorry. I'm praying for your family. I didn't know him very well but he must have been a very fine man. Lisa Spangler
Lem was great guy. We served together on the night watch of GPD. Everybody called us Mutt & Jeff...He had a special nack of driving along the beach with the door of the patrol car open and picking up Sharks teeth. He will certainly be missed by all.
Wow! Went to requalify and was told he was gone..What a great person and firearms instructor Lem was..Rest in peace soldier..
Hold tight to your memories for comfort, lean on your friends for strength, and always remember how much you areloved by all of us. Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow, you are in our prayers.
Our sincerest condolences to all the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lem was a great guy, so glad we got to visit with him at the last Galveston Retired Police Officer's get together.
Lem you were a good friend to us all. May you Tezt in peace. God be with you. Martin
Our thoughts and prayers our with you at your time of sorrow.
Tiffany, so sorry for the loss of your uncle. Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers. Love y'all very much so.
I am so very saddened to hear of Lem's passing. I knew Lem many years ago when he and my dad (Mike Berg) were in the Navy Reserves together. They were good friends during those years and we visited Lem often. I have so many fond memories of him and I even used to think of him as a second dad of sorts. He was a kind and giving person and was a great comfort to me when my dad passed away two years ago. I will miss him. I wish you peace during this time of sadness.
Lem was a Brother Mason and a friend and mentor. He talked me into my first Glock hand gun and was essential to my learning how to shoot it correctly. He followed me in the line in several Masonic bodies in the Dickenson area and was always working to make things happen. There will be a big void to fill with Lem gone, but I know that he has paved the way for a good future by his guidance. He was a good friend, and a good Man to know.
Lem was a kind and fun man that I grew up around as a child. My father Ken Yoakum considered him to be a good friend. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family from the Yoakum family. Sorry for your loss.
Many fond memories. The Yoakum family wishes to give condolences. He was a long time friend to my husband. Myself & my children give our sympathies. Claurica Yoakum
It was an honor knowing Lemuel Powell. He was a good man and will be missed. Captain Dennis Harris: Texas City Fire Marshal
Lem will be greatly missed by members of La Marque Masonic Lodge and myself. My Family loved Lem and Janet for all they have done for us just by being friends.
My deepest condolences to the Powell family during this trying time. He was such a great person and wonderful mentor. He had great patience with people and a wonderful sense of humor. As we would say in the Navy--rest in peace brother. We have the watch now. Cheryl Jackson {Port of Galveston PD / Hitchcock PD)
My dearest oldest Sister. My heart is as heavy as yours. I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your love. Lem was a gental giant and I know in my heart he is with God our Father and all his relatives and ours. You know Hes seen our Mother by now as she would not let him get passed her. She loved Lem so very much. Ill see yall on Trursday at the visation. My heart hurts so very much for you and your entire family. I do so love you
I was thinking about u today and decided to search u on Google to see if u still instructed at college of mainland, but instead found this obituary.... You were a great instructor and definitely involved in the process of my success here at Houston PD. You were a grandfather thru the week of instruction and I can see how other students call u paw paw. Rip good sir, prayers, and watch over us!
Malloy Funerals & Cremations
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Malloy Funerals & Cremations.