John Powers' Obituary
Colonel John “Jack” Powers, USMC (Ret.), 1934–2025
Colonel John “Jack” Powers, USMC (Ret.), passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, surrounded by his beloved wife of 40 years, Carole Baker-Powers, and their adoring children. A Believer, proud Marine, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and true patriot, Jack’s life was marked by service, strength, and compassion.
Born July 8, 1934, in Harrisburg, PA, Jack was raised in Jeannette, PA, and was a standout football player at William Penn High School. He earned a degree in Economics from Saint Vincent College before joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 1957. Jack served for over two decades, including three combat tours in Vietnam. During Operation Hastings, he led an artillery battery providing vital support near the Demilitarized Zone. Jack’s brave, decisive leadership, and unwavering commitment to his men in those early days set the tone for a long and decorated military career
Jack served as an instructor at the USMC Command and Staff College, contributed to major naval battleship commissions, and served as the Marine Corps coordinator for its 1975 Bicentennial celebration. After retirement, he remained active in the Marine community through Toys for Tots and the Marine Corps Detachment in Purcellville, Virginia.
Jack brought the same leadership and work ethic into his civilian career in construction management, where his “can-fix anything”, problem-solving spirit earned him respect. A man of grit and generosity, Jack was a loyal friend, a mentor, and a deeply committed family man. He loved animals, Porsche racing, cheering on the Steelers, and spending time with his 14 grandchildren who lovingly called him “Papa Jack”.
His legacy will be carried on by his wife, Carole and his five sons and their families Eric Powers, Mark Powers (Sarah), Troy Powers (Stephanie), Eric Major (Lara), and Lane Major (Sandy); and grandchildren Stephen, Blake, Kaleb, Natalie, Eric, Ethan, Madison, Callie, Jack, Peyton, Ally, Bella, Lucciana, and Grace.
A celebration of life will be held on May 8, 2025, at 2:30 pm St. James’ Episcopal Church, 14 Cornwall St NW, Leesburg, VA. A reception will follow at River Creek Club at 43800 Olympic Blvd. Leesburg, Virginia 20176.
A private burial with full military honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate or the Humane Society of Loudoun County https://humaneloudoun.org
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.loudounfuneralchapel.com
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