Sam Wren Powers

Sam Wren Powers, age 84, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 20, 2025, in Abilene, Texas, with family at his side.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Odessa, Texas, with Jimmy Braswell officiating. A private family viewing will begin at noon, followed by the graveside service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are under the direction of Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home.

Sam was born in Goodlet, Texas, on March 8, 1941, to Ewing Alvin Powers and Laura Estelle Curtis. On December 19, 1967, he married the love of his life, Joyce LaVerne Shewmaker, in Odessa, Texas. He spent many years as a skilled auto body repairman before retiring in his 40s to work alongside Joyce in her insurance office.

One of the greatest chapters of Sam’s life began when he and Joyce moved from Houston to Sealy, Texas. There, on their small farm, Sam found the peace, joy, and purpose that fit him best raising his beloved cows, Big Mama and Little Blacky, tending the land, and enjoying a simpler rhythm of life. In 2008, Sam and Joyce opened a Sears Appliance store in Lamesa, Texas, which they operated together until her passing in 2010.

Sam was a man who loved working with his hands, being outdoors, and sharing the quiet wisdom that comes from a life lived close to nature. He had a gift for teaching the younger ones in the family; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and eventually great-great-nieces and nephews—about fishing, appreciating the outdoors, and slowing down enough to savor the beauty of an unhurried life.

Though Sam was Ericka’s uncle by blood, he was a father in her heart. He poured love, steadiness, and guidance into her life, and that love extended to her children and grandchildren. His presence shaped their family in ways words cannot fully capture, and his legacy will continue through the generations who adored him.

Sam was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce Powers, and his brothers Marx Powers and Paul Powers.

He is survived by his niece, Ericka Powers Ary and husband Paul; nephew David Powers and wife Lillian; great-niece Jennifer Davis and husband Milus; great-nephews Christopher Reffner and wife Keverly; Stephen Reffner and wife Reese Anne; Jacob Powers and Joshua Powers; and his great-great-nephews Briar Potter, Camden Reffner, Connor Reffner, Kagan Reffner, Thomas Adams, Everett Reffner, and great-great-niece Harper Adams.

Pallbearers will be David Powers, Christopher Reffner, Stephen Reffner, Briar Potter, Paul Ary, and Milus Davis.

Sam leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and a lifetime of memories marked by kindness, simplicity, and unwavering devotion. His influence, especially within the hearts of those who saw him as more than an uncle, will be cherished forever.