Michael "Shorty" Powers

Michael “Shorty” Powers’ wheelchair is empty today. His love for life, passion for the outdoors, zeal for adventure, coupled with his refusal to accept “limitations” and his readiness to tackle a challenge made Shorty a truly extraordinary & unforgettable man. Throughout his life, Shorty never met a stranger, with many becoming life-long friends. There’s a void in all the hearts and lives Shorty touched throughout his action-packed life. You might have met him at a restaurant, POINT activity, rehab or the Wal-Mart parking lot. For many, their life was forever changed by their encounter with Shorty. Michael Lewis Powers (aka Shorty) was born on October 17, 1951 in Oklahoma City, OK to the late Don and Ona Bea Wade Powers. Beloved husband to Nance Baumann Powers and father to Dylan Vaughan Powers of Terrell, Texas. Also survived by sisters Nan Johnson, Donna Vaughan, and Kelli Lawson; nieces Tina Vaughan, Jennifer Jeffress, Meg Guerra, Katy Williams, Sophie Lawson and nephew Woody Paul Lawson. The Powers family moved to Irving, where Shorty attended MacArthur High School, graduating in 1970. On March 16, 1969, Shorty survived a tragic car accident that killed his best friend; his aorta bled out which resulted in paraplegia. Always a nature lover and avid outdoorsman, Shorty didn’t let his wheelchair keep him indoors! He trail-blazed a path to start the first organized adaptive outdoor recreational adventures for folks with disabilities. His impact on people who were “newly injured” was remarkable and life-altering! With new-found confidence discovered in conquering outdoor challenges, Shorty founded a non-profit organization, Turning POINT, in 1979. Shorty’s vision of empowering lives using the healing force of nature combined with adapted recreational activities for the mobility impaired community. Turning POINT was just awarded a TPWD Co-Op grant which will introduce members to new adaptive equipment hands-on at outdoor programs throughout the upcoming year - Shorty’s legacy lives on… Some of Shorty’s accomplishments include: Lone Star Legends, TPWD Chairman’s Award for Public Service: 1999 Barbara Jordan Award (for Turning POINT Video): 2000 The Hall of Fame at the TPWD Freshwater Fisheries Center: 2004 A Night of Light Awards of Excellence: 2006 He climbed a mountain, played tennis and basketball, scuba dived, sailed boats, hunted, kayaked, caught myriad fish, and loved people and life! Shorty’s best friend, the late Randy Snow, once said “If anyone is meant to be in a wheelchair, it’s Shorty…. to show us the way”! Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be at Reunion Ranch, 10581 CR 312, Terrell, Texas 75161, Sunday, June 26, 3-6pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Turning POINT, 403 Pacific, Terrell TX 75160 www.TurningPointNation.org….and continue to support Shorty’s dream.

Tributes

Michael "Shorty" Powers

October 17, 1951 - June 19, 2016