Ralph L. Powers

Ralph Leslie Powers, 87, of the Frederick Mennonite Community, Frederick, formerly of Sellersville and Salem, New Jersey, entered into rest Thursday evening, June 4, 2009, at his residence. He was the beloved husband of Geraldine (Thompson) Powers, to whom he was married 64 years.

Born in Salem, New Jersey, he was a son of the late Samuel U. and Anna E. (Dunn) Powers. He was a 1939 graduate of Salem High School.

Following his graduation, Mr. Powers attended the Rising Sun School of Aeronautics, Philadelphia, graduating as an aircraft mechanic, and immediately began working for Trans World Airlines (TWA), Kansas City, Missouri, where he also worked in the mail department until entering the military.

Ralph was a U.S. Navy veteran, having served during World War II. An aircraft technician, he was assigned to the Philadelphia Navy Yard, the Willow Grove Naval Air Base, and the U.S. Naval Air Development Center (NADC), Johnsville.

Following the end of the war, he continued his employment at NADC, Johnsville, as a civilian. During his 31 years there, Mr. Powers worked on top secret Federal government projects, developing submarine sonar detection technology and securing several classified government patents. A licensed pilot, he also flew Navy trainer planes during this period.

Also at this time, Ralph was employed by Turner’s Airfield, Prospectville, as an aircraft mechanic for privately-owned planes. He retired from the NADC in 1976.

Upon his retirement, Ralph worked for the former Lindsey Aircraft, Inc., as a machinist and metal worker and for Carson Helicopters, both of Hilltown.

He had been a member of St. Andrew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Perkasie. Mr. Powers was a member of the MacCalla Lodge No. 596 Free and Accepted Masons, Souderton. He was also a member of the Turner’s Airfield Flying Club, Prospectville; the Warminster Flying Club; and the Disabled American Veterans Association.

Ralph loved gardening and working around his home, especially tending to his fig tree. He enjoyed traveling, camping, photography, car repairs, model building, and tinkering with anything mechanical.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Powers is survived by a daughter, Linda J. Moore, of Quakertown; a son, Leslie Ralph Powers, and his wife, Dawn, of New Britain; and four grandchildren: Christopher L. Moore, of Nazareth; Trevor Moore, and his wife, Shayne, of Pottstown; Gretchen Powers, and her fiancé, Sean McFarland, of East Norriton; and Andria Powers, of New Britain.

Ralph was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Lowell G. Moore, who died in 2004.

His Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at 7:30 PM in Oaktree Auditorium of the Frederick Mennonite Community, 2849 Big Road (Route 73), Frederick, PA 19435, where family and friends may call from 7:00 PM until time of service.

Interment will be held privately at Sharptown United Methodist Church Cemetery, Sharptown, Pilesgrove Township, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Montgomery Hospital, 25 West Fornance Street, Norristown, PA 19401 or to the Frederick Mennonite Community Benevolent Care Fund, P.O. Box 498, Frederick, PA 19435.