On the front page of the Wood County Democrat dated Wednesday, June 8, 2011, the  big bold headline stated:

 "Local soldier killed in Afghanistan." 

An East Texas soldier died Saturday (which would have been June 4, 2011) in Afghanistan.

Family members have confirmed that US Army Sergeant Joshua David Powell, 28, of Quitman, was killed in Afghanistan. 

In a statement released by the family, Sgt. Powell was killed in a Humvee, along with three other soldiers, while serving his country.  His family says, "Joshua loved being in the military and serving his country.  The family loves and misses him, and we are proud of him for what he has done for our country." 

The US Army Sergeant was the son of Ray and Brenda Powell of Quitman.  He was a 2001 graduate of Quitman High School. 

Funeral services for Sgt. Powell are pending at this time.

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In the obituaries of the Wood County Democrat dated Wednesday, June 15, 2011:

   Funeral services for Sgt. Joshua David Powell, 28, Quitman, were held Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at Lake Fork Baptist Church with Reverend Arlis Banks officiating.

   Private graveside will be held at Rock Hill Cemetery at a later date.

   He was born September 9, 1982 in Tyler.

   He passed away on June 4, 2011 in Afghanistan.

   He served in the United States Army.  He recei ved two Purple Hearts.

   Survivors include his wife, Marina Powell of Corpus Christi: parents, Gerald and Brenda Powell of Quitman; brother and sister-in-law, Jeremy and Brittany Powell of Quitman; paternal grandmother, Alice Maud Petty of Quitman.

   Memorials may be made at BankTexas, Quitman, Fallen Hero Account, in the name of Sgt. Joshua Powell "Bubba J".