The family of Ralph Edward Powell, 91, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present for his funeral service and Military Honors. We are honored to participate.
Ralph Powell enlisted in the US Navy in April of 1950, in Columbia, South Carolina. He served just over 4 years of duty and was honorable discharged with the rank/rating of YNSN (E-3), which is a Clerk. He had 15 months of sea duty aboard the USS-Dixie (AD-14). For his service, he was awarded the Navy Occupation Medal (Korean).
As a civilian, our hero met and married Elsie. They ran a bird breeding business for decades. In retirement they enjoyed the RV'ers lifestyle and traveled all around the United States, Canada, and Alaska. In their later years, they gave up the traveling and settled down again in Simi Valley. Ralph also enjoyed fishing, and collecting, notably coins, keys and knives.
Our hero was predeceased by his loving wife, Elsie, who passed 5 years to the day before her husband. Also predeceased is Michael, an 11 year old son, of leukemia. Ralph is survived by his four siblings; Betty Leman, Charles Powell, Paulah Nordahl, and Peggy Boyd. He is also survived by his daughter, Linda Powell, her husband, Greg Haynes, and his children.
NOTE: This mission is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. This is a Flag Line only in the chapel at the funeral home. Final Military Honors will be rendered at the end of the service. Those honors will include the playing of TAPS by our own PGR member Bill Churchville, followed by the folding and presentation of our Nation's flag.
Time Table for Wednesday, 11 DEC 19:1030 - Stage at Reardon Simi Valley Funeral Home, 2636 Sycamore Drive, Simi Valley, CA 93065
https://goo.gl/maps/BaZipYRexmysK7Qa61045 - Mission Briefing
1100 - Funeral service begins. Flag line for Military Honors at end of service
R/C Steve Blumenfeld
“Capt. Chaos”
SoCalPGR Ride Captain661-212-2284
steveb507alrpgr@gmail.com
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
