Phillip Eugene Galagina Powers OBITUARY

Phillip Eugene Galagina Powers OBITUARY

IN LOVING MEMORY

It is with heavy hearts and profound love that we announce the ing of our beloved Phil Powers, a devoted husband, a cherished father, a treasured grandfather, and an adored great-grandfather. Phil ed our Heavenly Father on April 24, 2025.

Phil was Born in Muskogee, OK, to Margaret and L.D. Powers. When he was six months old, Phil’s father was reported as Missing in Action during World War II. He was raised by his mother and his grandmother.

Phil attended the University of San Diego for three years and went on to receive a BA in Philosophy at California State University, Fullerton. He later earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling from National University. Phil left his studies at USD to serve his country during the Vietnam War. He ed the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the USS Catfish submarine as a navigator. After serving his country for four years, Phil left the Navy with an honorable discharge. As a Child Abuse Social Worker for the County of San Diego, Phil worked in a specialized unit dedicated to helping American Indian Children.

After retirement from the County of San Diego, he served as an Expert Witness for cases involving the Indian Child Welfare Act. In this capacity, he testified in courts throughout California and other states.

Phil was a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation and dedicated many decades serving his tribe. He was well-loved and respected within the Cherokee community, both locally and in Oklahoma. Phil was the Chairman of the Board of San Diego Indian Health, and later served as the Speaker (Leader) and Community Coordinator for the San Diego Cherokee Community Council. As Speaker, one of his duties was to represent the San Diego Cherokees at the annual conference of the Cherokee Nation Community Association in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Phil attended these meetings for several years and was well-known at the Nation. He was a respected Elder who served his people for almost half of his life.

Phil was kind and caring to everyone he met. People who knew him were distinctly aware of his considerable generosity and his amazing sense of humor. During his time as a social worker, Phil had a young teenage boy on his caseload. Due to the boy’s severe mental impairment, Phil chose to mentor this child over several decades. As a result of Phil’s guidance, this child became a functioning adult who is able to hold a job and can live independently. Phil had the kindest smile and was the light of all our family gatherings.

Phil leaves an amazing legacy. He will be forever missed by his loving wife of 52 years, Carol; his three daughters, Kristine, Carrie, and Sandra; his three grandchildren, Jessica, Matthew, and Jordan; and his two great-grandchildren, Korben and Maggie.