*** The Service For Mr. Sylvester Eugene Powell will be streamed via our Facebook Page ( Biglow Funerals Inc. ) on "Facebook Live beginning at 12:00PM*** 

The link is provided below. 

https://www. facebook.com/Biglow-Funerals-Inc-365029870361957/

Sergeant First Class Sylvester Eugene Powell, U.S. Army (Retired), age 63, of Checotah, Oklahoma, was called to eternal rest on May 18, 2026. A man of steadfast character, quiet strength, and deep devotion to family and country, Sylvester lived a life defined by service to his nation, to those he loved, and to the communities he called home.

Early Life

Sylvester was born on September 26, 1962, at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Miami Beach, Florida, to Deacon/Dr. Willie F. Powell, a Sergeant in the United States Army who served during World War II, and Aleen Lovett-Powell. Raised in Miami, he was grounded early in faith, baptized at Memorial Temple Baptist Church in Miami, Florida at the age of twelve.

The son of a soldier, Sylvester came of age with a sense of duty that would come to define his life. Upon completing high school, he answered that call and enlisted in the United States Army, beginning what would become a distinguished military career.

Military Service

Sylvester dedicated 25 years of his life to the United States Army, entering active duty on January 29, 1986, and serving with distinction until his honorable retirement on March 31, 2011.

Rising through the ranks to attain the distinguished grade of Sergeant First Class (E-7), his career took him across the globe, spanning multiple continents and decades. Sylvester specialized in food service operations, serving as Operations Director of Dining Facility wherever he was stationed, both domestically and internationally.

He managed multiple dining facilities across multiple theaters of operation, ensuring that thousands of soldiers were fed with consistency, dignity, and excellence, no matter the conditions or the country.

He served during Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, alongside his brother Mark Powell, a bond of brotherhood that ran deeper than blood, forged together in service to their country.

His mastery of his craft earned him and his team culinary awards, including a prestigious culinary award tied to the Super Bowl. He also taught culinary classes, pouring his knowledge and standards into the next generation of military food service professionals.

Above all, he was dedicated to his fellow soldiers and his country, showing up with his whole self not because orders required it, but because his character demanded it. His commitment never stopped at the edge of his duties, and the soldiers around him were better for it.

Education

In pursuit of continued excellence, Sylvester earned an Associate of Arts degree from Johnson & Wales University in 2002 and continued his education at Central Texas College in 2004, demonstrating that his commitment to growth never dimmed.

Military Honors & Decorations

• Iraq Campaign Medal with 2 Campaign Stars
• Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award)
• Army Commendation Medal (10th Award)
• Army Achievement Medal (12th Award)
• Army Good Conduct Medal (8th Award)
• National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award)
• Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
• Army Service Ribbon
• Overseas Service Ribbon (4th Award)
• Kuwait Liberation Medal – Saudi Arabia
• Kuwait Liberation Medal – Kuwait
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• Korea Defense Service Medal
• 
  

The Man Behind the Uniform

To know Sylvester was to know a man who loved deeply and lived fully. He was a son of Miami, and those trips back home were always cause for celebration, laughter, reconnection with loved ones, and the comfort of his mother’s home cooking.

He found his greatest joy in the outdoors, fishing and hunting alongside his father, and out on the water boating. He loved dogs, sports, could work through almost any piece of electronics, played the guitar, and approached every hobby with the same focused energy he brought to his military service.

His Legacy Continues

In a testament to the legacy he lived, both of his grandsons, DaRlon Sellers, currently serving at the rank of Specialist (E-4), and Jalen Sellers, serving at the rank of Private First Class (E-2), have followed in his footsteps and answered the call to serve in the United States Army. The soldier he was lives on in them.

Survivors

Sylvester was preceded in death by his father, Deacon/Dr. Willie F. Powell (Sergeant, U.S. Army, 2017), and his brother, Willie Powell Jr.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Vanessa Powell, of Checotah, Oklahoma; his pride and joy, his children Ineshia Powell and DeAngelo Powell; his cherished grandchildren, DaRon, Jalen, and Jyra Sellers; his loving mother, Aleen Lovett-Powell; and his devoted siblings:

Karen Igbinoba (Dr. Victor Igbinoba), Gregory Powell, Major, U.S. Air Force (Retired), Deborah Powell, Stephen Powell, Diane Powell, Phyllis Morrison (Elcania Morrison Sr., U.S. Army Retired), Mark Powell (Kassian Powell).He is also survived and cherished by a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family, as well as a community of friends and fellow veterans whose lives he touched.

Mr. Sylvester Eugene Powell , after 63 years of life, transitioned from "Time to Eternity" on Monday morning, May 18, 2026 from Checotah, Oklahoma.

The Final Salute for Sylvester will commence on Friday, May 29, 2026 at High Noon in the most holy sanctuary of Eastside First Baptist Church in Checotah, Oklahoma, where Pastor Bertha Jackson is the gracious host.

You may visit Sylvester, as he slumbers in peaceful repose at The People's Chapel of Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., of Muskogee, on Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM.

The Christian Committal will immediately follow the services in the Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.