Hundreds gather to remember Charlie and Braden Powell

A memorial service for 7-year-old Charlie and 5-year-old Braden Powell was held Saturday morning at the Life Center Church in Tacoma. The two boys were killed Sunday in a house fire explosion that was intentionally set by their father, Josh Powell, who was also killed in the fire.

The two boys’ remains were in one coffin and on top was a flower arrangement.

The funeral started with a welcoming from Rev. Dean Curry, who thanked those who attended the service, the community and friends for blessing and supporting the family throughout the tragic events.

“Thank you for coming here today, this morning to remember two beautiful boys, works of art,” said Curry. 

• Video remembrance for Charlie and Braden Powell
• Funeral service for Charlie and Braden Powell
• Slideshow: Images from memorial service for Powell boys

After Curry spoke, the family’s pastor, Tim Atkins of Faith Bible Church, described a story the Cox family shared with him about the two boys. Charlie and Braden Powell told their grandparents they wanted to hold hands as they prayed at meal time. Atkins then proceeded with prayer by asking the audience to hold hands.

On behalf of the Cox family, the boys’ grandfather, Chuck Cox, spoke about the support the community has given.

“The past two and a-half years now, we felt the support of so many people around the world, in our local community, in our church,” said Cox. “We wanted to express our sincere gratitude for your support, your prayers and your love. It helps us to be strong, and helps us to know that there are good people in the world.”

At the end of the memorial, the boys’ uncle, Kirk Graves, closed the service with a prayer.