Christian Turner Powell

Christian Turner Powell, 63, of Luling, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019. Chris was born Sept. 10, 1956 to James W. Powell and Gloria Joyce Smith Powell. He was a graduate of Luling High School Class of 1975. He married Gilmary Othold on July 15, 1978 in Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner. Chris was a member of the Luling Episcopal Church of the Annunciation.

Chris Powell was born and raised in Luling, Texas. As kids, he and his brother Jim ran wild out at their grandparents’, Iris and George Smith’s ranch, sometimes staying out from dawn till dusk on their trusty horses. As an adolescent, Chris found his fire in music and his love for playing the cornet. This affinity and talent would later carry him to be recognized as Mr. Eagle Band. After high school, Chris turned to the next phase of working life and the dancehall circuit. It was this segue that led to the discovery of the love of his life, Gilmary.

The next decade brought about the establishment of their homestead living near his parents, James and Gloria, and raising their three sons, Christian, Seth and Josh. As a regular fixture in the Luling sports scene, he spent countless hours transporting kids to practice, spending his weekends at tournaments and games, and later cheering on his cherished Friday night football. At the same time, Chris was always striving to improve the world around him. He spent the better part of four decades as a public servant, working his way up the ranks at the City of Luling. Everyone knew that his phone was always on if the city was in need. He prided himself in always being there when you needed him, at a moment’s notice. His dedication to his community spanned so many groups with so many friends along the way – his interests ranged from Watermelon Thump Board, to Luling School Board, Oil City A’s Car Club, Luling Chamber of Commerce, and PlumNelly Social Club.

As his family grew to also include his daughters-in-law, Mitzi, Brittany, and Jillian, Chris transformed into “Papa” and so lovingly welcomed being the patriarch for his six grandchildren, Mikah, Walker, Aven, Branson, Lawson, and Shepherd.

Throughout his life he found great joy in all things with four wheels, and even the busted knuckles that came with working on them. Chris always prided himself in his showmanship, but also appreciated the simple things in life like porch sitting and sharing a laugh. Chris left this earth on Nov. 20, but he will live on with the lasting memories he shared with all.

Chris is survived by his loving family, wife, Gilmary Powell of Luling, sons and daughters-in-law, Christian Turner Powell, II, and Mitzi of Cedar Park, Seth Thomas Powell and Brittany of Luling, Joshua Taylor Powell and Jillian of Luling, brother and sister-in-law, James George Powell and Ginger of Luling and adoring grandchildren, Mikah, Walker, Aven, Branson, Lawson, and Shepherd Powell. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, 2019 at O’Bannon Funeral Home with a rosary being recited at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019 in the Luling Civic Center with Fr. Russ Matthews and Deacon Paul Easterling officiating. Interment will follow in Luling City Cemetery. Pallbearers: Cotton Etheredge, Sam Jackson, Aaron Powell, Jordan Othold, Justin Othold, Josh Powell, Seth Powell, and Christian Powell. Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Friends may leave their condolences by visiting www.obannonfuneralhome.com. Services are under the care and direction of O’Bannon Funeral Home, Luling, Texas.