Cleo J. Powell was born on December 12, 1923 in Norman, Arkansas to Gilford Elijah Powell and

Mary Susie Norman. He peacefully passed away at 102 years old on July 16, 2026 at the

Veterans Hospital in Albuquerque. He is preceded in death by his parents Gilford and Susie

Powell and siblings

Cleo is survived by his wife of 46 years Patricia Milton Powell whom he married on January 25,

1980, children Freida Bearden and husband Jesse, Danny Powell and wife Debbie, Patrica

Dossett, Belinda McGuffin and husband Don, Randy Powell and wife Connie, Bobby Powell and

wife Becky, Derrel Powell and wife Karen, Kelly Winter and husband Tom, Jerry Martin and wife

Ann, 22 Grandchildren, 35 Great Grandchildren, and 20 Great-Great Grandchildren, and many

more extended family and close friends.

Entering into the United States Army on August 9, 1943, he was assigned to the 727th

Amphibian Tank Battalion and courageously fought in 12 of the 23 campaigns in World War II

until he was honorably discharged as a Corporal on December 17, 1945.

In the 1970's, Cleo worked for ten plus years as a Vice President of AMREP Corporation

developing what is now the City of Rio Rancho, owned and operated his own concrete company

Cleo J. Powell Construction still operating today and eventually retiring to his farm in Sile, New

Mexico around 2016 where he was able to enjoy the fruits of his labor and watch his horses and

cattle graze his farm.

He was a proud founding member of the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Posse and enjoyed many

years playing on the Albuquerque Cowboy Polo team. One of his other passions was raising

quality Quarter Horses, Angus and Charolais Cattle, and farmed alfalfa hay to support his cattle

habit.

Cleo was known for his work ethic and was determined to do whatever it took to reach his

goals. He had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and valued. His kindness and generosity

touched countless lives.

A service will be held on August 2, 2026 at 11:00 am located at French's Funeral Home 1111

University Blvd., NE Albuquerque, NM 87102.

The Cleo J. Powell Family wishes to thank the staff at the Veterans Hospital for their

compassionate care