William H. Power

On Monday, March 17th, our family said goodbye to our beloved patriarch, William Holloway "Bill" Power. He departed at 90 years of age surrounded by family, knowing that he was dearly loved, that he was Saved, and that a new and perfect body awaited him in the arms of Christ.

Bill was a man of impeccable integrity, with a generous heart, and malice towards none.

Bill was very proud of his family's Scotch-Irish heritage, and their feisty, independent nature which drove them to be among the earliest Texas settlers. He was a true "Son of Texas".

Bill was preceded in death by his father and mother, Judge Robbie Preston Power and Sally Neoma (Brown) Power; and also his wife, Rosemary (Gaston) Power.

He leaves behind four children; Dr. Robert W. Power of Houston; Lt. Col. (USAF Ret.) William P. Power and wife, Lt. Col. (USAFR Ret.) Carolyn M. "Carrie" Power of Fort Worth; Mary L. (Power) Rush and husband, Clinton R. Rush of Overland Park, Kansas; and James H. Power and wife, Melanie J. Power of Richardson. He was a beloved "Granddaddy" to nine grandchildren. He also is survived by his first cousin, Jane (Caveness) Woodard of Shreveport.

Bill Power's youth was shaped by World War II - he recalled hearing the famed FDR radio address following Pearl Harbor. He believed in duty, honor, and country, which led him to join the US Navy Reserves as a senior in high school.

He served in the Navy as an electronics specialist, and a simulator operator/tech teaching Naval Aviators how to operate their aircraft systems; he earned his own pilot rating as well. In all he served 13 years (three in active duty) in the US Navy.

His academic career included studies at Tyler Junior College, Stephen F. Austin University, and the University of Texas Law School. Bill passed the Texas Bar Exam in 1964, and he was sworn in as an Officer of the Court, and Assistant District Attorney by his own father, then Texas 7th District Court Judge R. P. Power. After five years as a Smith County prosecutor, he practiced Family Law in Tyler until his retirement after 25 years.

Bill loved music, playing saxophone in numerous bands and orchestras, including many years with the Sharon Temple Shriners band. He was a Freemason, a member of an organization dedicated to promoting moral and spiritual values and public service.

Bill was a lifelong member of First Christian Church of Tyler, where he also served as an Elder, a member of the choir, and an oft-featured soloist tenor in worship services and ceremonies. It was in this church that he married his beloved Rosemary, with whom he shared 43 years of devotion, love, and laughter.

He was a devoted father, whether leading camping and canoeing adventures, coaching baseball, or teaching the arts of fishing and hunting. He instilled a strong sense of integrity, a competitive spirit, and a love of nature in all his progeny. He taught us never to take ourselves too seriously, and time spent with him always involved some good laughs. He is deeply missed, but we celebrate his life and his new beginning with the Lord.

Visitation, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Friday, April 4, 2025, at Brosang Family Funeral & Cremation Services, 13437 Hwy 110 S., Tyler, Texas 75707.

Funeral Service, 10:00 AM, Saturday, April 5, 2025 at First Christian Church of Tyler, 4202 S. Broadway, Tyler, Texas 75701. Officiated by Dr. Chris Pulliam and under the direction of Brosang Family Funeral & Cremation Services.

Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery, 2400 S. Donnybrook Avenue, Tyler, Texas 75701.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's honor to the Alzheimer's Alliance of Smith County via their website: https://alzalliance.org/donate/ or checks may be sent to Alzheimer's Alliance of Smith County, 3531 S. Broadway Ave Tyler, Texas 75701, or they may be reached at 903-509-8323.