Ted Powe Memorial Scholarship

Ted Powe, a former Butler Community College student of the Collision Repair program and life long residence of Kansas leaves us, but his memory remains. A scholarship has been started in memory of Ted, which will allow students to attend the collision program for years to come.

Ted attended Butler and gained the skills to become a collision repair technician. After completing the program, Ted went to work for Fenton Ford in El Dorado, later went to work for John K. Fisher GM in El Dorado, and then he spent a short time at Automotive Specialist. Ted remained there until approximately five weeks ago, when he decided to move to Valley, Nebraska, where his fiancé was from. Ted had just started a new job and a new chapter in his life. However, on October 9, 2008 Ted’s work and time on earth was complete. After a massive heart attack at the young age of 31, Ted went home.

While attending the funeral, it was easy to see the passion the entire family expressed for cars. The speeches given were quite touching, and I could imagine the way it was conveyed, with Ted meeting each of his family members and friends in his 1970 Chevelle, when they arrive home, with another car restored to perfection just for them.

Ted’s family felt compelled to start a scholarship in memory of him. Ted’s father, John, said that he would like the money to go to students that may struggle financially. He mentioned that Butler’s Collision program is where Ted got his start in life and he wishes to help as many others with their new start in life.

Devin Olson, a second-year student in the collision program follows in the foot steps of Ted. Devin always looked up to Ted, as many younger cousins do look up to their older cousins. Devin’s family owns the Carousel Skate Center in Wichita, which is going to be making a yearly contribution to the scholarship.

I believe contributing to this scholarship is a great way to honor Ted’s memory and to open the doors for others starting out in life. This is also a positive way to support Butler Community College, the community, and the Automotive Collision Industry.

If you would like to donate to the Ted Powe Memorial scholarship you can contact the Butler Foundation office. You can speak to Stacey Cofer at 316-320-7312 ext. 109. Or you can donate online. Be sure to specify that your donation is in “Memory of Ted Powe”.

Thanks in advance for your support that you give to Butler County Community College and to the Collision Repair Industry.