In Memorium - Keo Powell

It is with great sadness that we share that our brother, lost his battle with cancer on May 6, 2023. Keo Thomas Powell was born in 1974 in Cambodia, where his parents were killed in the ”Killing Fields” of the Khmer Rouge regime at the time of the Vietnam War. He was part of The Operation Baby Lift that saved hundreds of orphaned babies and brought them to safe countries. Our amazing parents heard about this and volunteered to help with the babies brought to Southern California. They immediately saw Keo and fell in love. They decided right away they wanted to adopt him. It was a long process, but he came to our family when he was about 15 months old. He was adorable and overcame the malnutrition and health issues he arrived with. Growing up with 3 sisters, as well as 3 girl cousins that lived down the street, he was never the one we fought with. He was patient, loving, and loyal. He was very athletic and good at literally any sport. He played a lot of soccer as a kid, but went on to play Varsity baseball and was the kicker for the football team at Foothill High School. He graduated from Chapman University in 1995 where he was very involved in the PIKE fraternity and received Man of the Year. Keo taught himself to play guitar and piano. He played in a couple bands at church and at local venues. Music was important to Keo and he also wrote his own songs and poetry. He enjoyed cooking and could barbecue some of the best ribs. He also beat everyone in a game of pool. He worked in IT for the County of Orange for over 20 years. Anyone who knew Keo, knew he was very humble and a good person who cared deeply and loved his friends and family. He was a man of few words until you got him one on one, but he could light up a room with his smile. Even at the end of his life, he never complained. He always said he loved us and was ushered out of this life with such courage, grace, and peace. He was loved beyond measure and we will miss him deeply. (written by Marcie Dormaier)

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION TO THE TUSTIN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION to support ART & CULTURE in the Tustin schools and community. 

With Love,

Don & Jackie Powell, Kim Albarian, Marcie Dormaier, Melissa Eggleton and their Families