Larry Neal Powell

LT. LARRY NEAL POWELL died peacefully at home with family on April 16th, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas, at the age of 77.

Larry was born on September 28, 1948, in Spur, Texas, to Raymond V. Powell and Mattie Ellen “Rip” Foster.

Larry is survived by his brother, Ray Don Powell & Lera Kate Powell of Memphis, Texas; his sister, Janis Carol Waldrop of Lubbock, Texas; and his nieces and nephews: Millini Powell Skuba and her husband Gary of Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania; Robert Powell and his wife Victoria of McKinney, Texas; Kelley Hill and his wife Mindy of Lubbock, Texas; and Stephanie Powell Cramer and her husband Chris of McKinney, Texas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond V. Powell and Mattie Ellen “Rip” Powell of Spur, Texas.

Larry had a great love for his grandmother, Lillie Foster, as well as Porsches, airplanes, country dancing, English bulldogs, and American football. Prior to graduating from Spur High School in 1967, this #44 Spur Bulldog and his team won the 4A Bi-District Championship. Larry went on to New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) in Roswell, New Mexico, where he continued to play football with the Broncos from 1967 (#40) to 1968 (#33). He left NMMI in January 1969 and transferred to Angelo State University (ASU), where he played college football with the Rams from 1969–1970 before graduating with his bachelor’s degree in 1972.

Larry was passionate about protecting our country and spent much of his time learning its history. He was an accomplished aviator, proudly serving as a Lieutenant Naval Aviator in the U.S. Navy from 1971 to 1986. He was a true “Maverick,” landing planes on aircraft carriers (most memorably the USS Lexington) and securing the U.S. southern border as the Vietnam War was ending. He trained at Aviation Officers Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida. His talents led to his promotion as a flight instructor for the U.S. Navy at VT-26 Naval Air Station Chase Field in Beeville, Texas, from 1972 to 1978.

Larry continued to fly after his military service, achieving the title of Captain during his 26-year career with Delta Airlines. He enjoyed traveling but was never too far from returning home to his lifelong friends and classmates in Spur.

Larry was a member of the Cowboy Church in Lubbock.

A visitation is scheduled for April 27th, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Zapata Funeral Home in Spur, Texas. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Larry’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Interim Hospice at 3223 S. Loop 289 #110, Lubbock, Texas 79423.

The family would like to thank the medical team with Interim Hospice in Lubbock, Texas. Larry was witty up until his very last days, which were peaceful due to their compassion and loving care—especially the dedication shown by his nurse, Sheena. She will forever hold a special place in the family’s hearts.

Fly on, Lieutenant Powell, fly on.