William Sanderson Powers, 89, was born in Iraan, Texas on January 4, 1937 and passed from this earth on October 1, 2026. A private service was held at the Powers Cemetery on the family ranch near Breckenridge, Texas.
William graduated from Iraan High School in 1955, attended the University of Texas and graduated from Sul Ross State College in 1959. He married Vanda Emerson in 1958, and they had 68 years together with their three children living in Texas, New Mexico and Montana during his career with Shell Oil Company.
William and Vanda retired in Midland, Texas. They enjoyed many happy times at the PHT Ranch on the Clearfork of the Brazos River which had been in the family since 1905.
Bill (also known as Sandy in his youth) was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Alene Powers; his sister, Louetha Hilliard; brother-in-law, Danny Hilliard; nephew, Barry Hilliard and his daughter, Laura Bauman.
He is survived by his wife, Vanda; sons, John Bryan and David Blair; nephew, Bradley Hilliard and wife Theresa; five grandchildren and their spouses; eight great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews who all brought such joy into his life.
Bill was a member of the Church of Christ and taught Bible classes for many years in Hobbs, New Mexico; Glendive, Montana; McCamey, Texas and Fairmont Park and Westside in Midland, Texas.
He is missed by his family and friends who take comfort in the words he quoted, “Blessed are they who die in the Lord,” and “We will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
To plant a tree in memory of William Sanderson Powers, please visit our Tribute Store.
