Obituary of Jack Edmond Powell

Jack would like to let you know that his work here is done. He received a call, a sort of an offer you can’t refuse, for an appointment from which he will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus, a reunion with family and friends he has not seen in a long time. Job security is exactly 110 percent. His new mission takes him to a wonderful place where he will be socializing, dancing, gardening, having a beer and smoking a cigar. Music, laughter and love are guaranteed. Food is delicious and you never gain an ounce. He left detailed instructions for his wife and children to celebrate his mission here, which has now been completed.

 

We want to let him know that he did a great job and wish him a safe journey. We will remember his smile, his warmth, his energy, his love for life, family and friends, and also colleagues, many of whom over time also became friends. He worked very hard all of his life, up until the very end. He made a difference in the lives of many.

 

A little about Jack:

 

Jack was born in Mannford, Oklahoma on February 1, 1929 and was the fourth of five children. He grew up in typical Okie style:  rodeos and oil field work.

 

While in college, he joined ROTC and shortly thereafter, 1950, was sent to Korea as a Master Sergeant.  He served from September, 1950 to May, 1952. When he returned home to Seminole, Oklahoma he earned the rank of Captain in the Army Reserve’s 45^th Infantry Division and served another 4 years.

 

He spent the majority of his working life as a Sales Representative for Baroid and Dresser Industries.  After retiring in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, he and his wife, Kathy, opened Katydid Childcare where they loved and nurtured children for nearly 15 years.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marcus Alonzo, Matilda (Tillie) Mae (nee Keylor) and stepmother, Amelia (Fannie) Marie (nee Keylor) Powell; as well as two sisters, Mildred Marie (Sissy) Porter and Mary Ruth Noe; one brother, George (Dude) Frederick Powell; his first wife, Betty Jeanne (nee Barcklow) Powell and his oldest daughter, Debra Lynne Murphy-Winn.

 

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Kathy (nee Harding) Powell; one son, John David (Brenda) Powell; two daughters, Cynthia Ann McFee and Lisa Jeanne Hilbert; one sister, Betty Lou Hooper; eleven grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and scores of nieces and nephews.

 

We will miss our storyteller, husband, father, uncle, brother and friend.  Finally and most importantly, always remember what he told each of us as he was about to hang up from a call with us, “take care of one another.” 

 

Memorial services will be announced at a later date.