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Thomas G. Powers
Indian Harbour Beach, FL

Thomas G. Powers, 72, of Indian Harbour Beach, FL., passed away Friday, January 31, 2014, from congestive heart failure.
Born November 7, 1941, in Des Moines, IA., Tom was the oldest child of Gene and Marie (Hafner) Powers. He grew up in Chicago, IL., Hartford, CT. and Des Moines, where he graduated from Dowling High School.
Tom was president of his fraternity, Theta Chi, and earned his bachelor and law degrees from Drake University (Des Moines) and Master of Laws degree from New York University School of Law (New York).
After serving as legal counsel for the Iowa Legislative Research Bureau, he opened offices for the general practice of law in Des Moines. He served as legal counsel to the Iowa General Assembly and Polk County before moving to Washington D.C. in 1971.
When Tom retired in 1998, he was Senior Counsel to the Committee on Small Business and had the distinction of being the longest tenured staff member in the history of that committee--27 consecutive years. 
According to former congressman, Neal Smith, who served 36 years in the House of Representatives, Tom was the country's expert on SBA programs. Friends simply refer to him as 'iconic'.
Tom received numerous commendations for his accomplishments and service, including a Special Advocacy Award for unique and outstanding advocacy achievements on behalf of small business.
In 2003, he moved to Florida, where he served as legal consultant for the National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (NAGLE) and the National Association Development Companies (NADCO).
Tom is survived by his long-time domestic partner, Nancy Simplicio, of Indian Harbor Beach, FL; sisters, Ro Powers of Chicago, IL. and Katie Powers of West Des Moines, IA.; nieces, Kris Nelson, West Des Moines; Lauren Nelson (David), Danville, VA.; nephew, Nick Nelson (Betsy), Carlisle, IA. and two grand-nieces, Morgan and Emily Nelson. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A private family celebration of life will be observed. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Heart Association or National Kidney Foundation .