Earle C. Powell

Earle C. Powell, age 95, of Carthage, Texas, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, August 1, 2026, in Carthage.

Earl Chadwick Powell was born on June 16, 1931, in Henderson, Texas, to the late Earle Wallace and Margelyn Estelle Chadwick Powell. He graduated from Carthage High School and attended Panola College before being drafted into the United States Army in 1951 during the Korean War. He was stationed at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas, and later at Fort Carson, Colorado. Earle faithfully served his country and was honorably discharged in 1963 with the rank of Specialist Fourth Class (SP4).

On August 15, 1954, Earle married the love of his life, Mary Alma Sistrunk, at First Methodist Church in Carthage. Together they shared nearly 63 wonderful years of marriage before Mary's passing on March 19, 2017.

Earle and Mary made their home in Houston for many years before moving to Longview. While living in Longview, Earle was an active member of the Longview Jaycees and was honored as the organization's Outstanding Jaycee in January 1963. After returning to Carthage, he became a founding member and past president of the Panola County Jaycees, where he was once again recognized for his outstanding service through a nomination as Panola County's Outstanding Jaycee.

Earle spent many years working as Parts Manager for Pippen Motor Co., where he was known for his dedication and strong work ethic. Even after retirement, he remained active by transporting vehicles for Pippen, a job he thoroughly enjoyed because it allowed him to stay on the road and continue serving others.

A man devoted to both his community and his faith, Earle was a longtime member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Gaiety Lodge No. 84, in Carthage, where he served as Past Noble Grand. He was also a faithful member of Macedonia Baptist Church as well as serving on the Board of Macedonia Cemetery for many years. 

In addition to his parents and his beloved wife, Earle was preceded in death by his son, David Earle Powell, and his sister, Peggy Jean Powell Purgason.

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Phil Powell and wife, Kathy; granddaughter, Caitlyn Powell Marion and husband, Joseph; great-grandson, Luke Marion; and another great-grandson, Brody Marion, who is expected to arrive soon.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Randy Miller and Steve Scott officiating. Interment, with Military Honors, will follow at Macedonia Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the funeral home.

Serving as pallbearers are Stuart Lipsey, John W. Cooke III, Alex Jones, George Yarbrough, Bubba Griffin, and Grant Griffin.

Honorary pallbearers are Brodie Akins, Travis Wall, Bill Steptoe, Sam Allison, Joe Allison, and E.R. Ross.

Memorial contributions may be made to Macedonia Cemetery, Post Office Box 1113, Carthage, Texas 75633.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.