Darell Powers

Darell Lynn Powers was born in Artesia, NM  on August 19, 1956.  He walked into Heaven's gates on April 18, 2022. He was the youngest son of the late Hilbert P. Powers and Syble Alvena, née Heironimus, Powers.  Darell was proceeded in death by his eldest brother, Robert E. Powers, his eldest sister, Jan Johnston, and his sister-in-law Darlene Powers.

Darell had always loved cars and was told by his Mom that his first sentence was "See that car!", and with that, his love of horsepower began. Over the years, Darell tried dirt track, drag strip, and even rally racing.  He made several trips to watch the "big dogs" on the NASCAR tracks in Arizona and Texas.

Always in a hurry, Darell entered the United States Navy in 1973 at the age of just 17.  He served four tours of duty in the Vietnam theater while stationed aboard the USS Ranger (CVA-61). Darell proudly served as a member of the Nucleus Fire Party and was awarded a Letter of Commendation for his heroic performance, battling a dangerous fire, while on the Ranger at sea.

During his time aboard the Ranger, Darell met his future wife Debby, while she was on a tour of the carrier with a mutual friend. Darell took Debby out on their first date in his immaculate ’72 Rally Nova and, after dinner, put her in the driver’s seat and taught her how to "dump the clutch." They were married on March 20, 1975, and remained together for 47 wonderful years. Darell and Debby started their family in Carlsbad, New Mexico where they lived for 26 years.

Darell loved to laugh and his family still believes he was the originator of what are now called "Dad jokes"!  It was not uncommon for Darell to answer the phone by saying "Joe's Bar & Grill" and, when asked for his phone number, his answer was usually "BR549’. Many friends and family members were recipients of his teasing.

Darell loved to work and was a veritable jack of all trades; he could do anything he set his mind to, and he was great with numbers. After his stint in the Navy, Darell's occupations included Operations and Fire Marshall at an anhydrous ammonia plant, car salesperson, finance and insurance manager, trainer in Finance & Insurance across the state of New Mexico, journeyman pipefitter, a manager at several restaurants, and in the management of oil and lube center businesses.

Darell is survived by his wife, Debra Lynne, as well as his three children, Daniel Lynn, David Lynn, and Danielle Lynne (Powers) MacMaster. He is also survived by his brother, Prentice Powers, Clovis, New Mexico,  his sister, Marcella Powers Lindert (Gordon) of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Sister-in-law Joyce Beasley Powers (Robert) of Hobbs, New Mexico.

Additionally, Darell is survived by his eight grandchildren, Damion Lynn Gonzales, Trey Lynn Powers, Dominic Luke Powers, Danica Lela Powers, Dylan Lucas Powers, Charlotte Rosemary (Charli Rose) MacMaster, Benzel (Benny) Christopher MacMaster II, and Bowen (Bo) Christopher Darell MacMaster, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Darell will be laid to rest at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association link below.