Tributes paid to 107-year-old Ted
One of Britain's oldest men, who lived alone in his South Staffordshire home until just weeks ago, has died at the age of 107.
Great grandfather-of-three Ted Powell proved age doesn't have to stand in the way of a full life – getting married to Phyllis at the age of 92 and continuing to drive until he was 99.
Relatives today paid tribute to the "determined and independent" man, from Wombourne, who credited a daily bowl of porridge and living in moderation as the secrets to the long and happy life.
Although he was too young to serve on the frontline in the First World War, Mr Powell worked as a reserved occupation engineer during the conflict.
Before the war, he worked at the Sunbeam factory and continued his career at Fischer Bearings.
Mr Powell and his first wife Ivy, enjoyed nearly 50 years together.
In 1994, the couple's only daughter Gwen Kitching, now aged 74, who lives in Eastbourne, found herself with six new step brothers and sisters when her father married for the second time.
Mr Powell tied the knot with 88-year-old Phyllis Castle at Kingsway Church, in Wombourne, where Mr Powell, then aged 92.
Mr Powell, who was born in Rushall, Walsall, was a keen artist.
A funeral service for Mr Powell will be held at The Kingsway Centre, in High Street, at 11am on October 23.
