Gerald (Jerry) Lee Powell born on February 25, 1948, Alma, Michigan to June and Hershel Powell. Peacefully departed this world on March 30, 2024, in Kansas City Missouri, at the age of 76. His legacy is one of kindness, compassion, faith and unwavering love for his family. Gerald grew up with two sister and three brothers in Ithaca, Michigan and graduated from Ithaca High School 1966. In the late sixties, he worked at Oldsmobile in Lansing MI. When moving to Missouri in 1975, his career experience included working in an underground rock quarry, then as a produce manger, after that working at the Clorox warehouse. He retired his career after 25 plus years building and remolding several houses for several hundred people in the Jackson and Lafayette counties. Jerry was never one who met a stranger. He had a zest for life and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was ordained a priest in 1975 in the Reorganized Church of Latter-Day Saints. He loved ministering to people and helping at Junior and Senior high church camps in Michigan, Oklahoma and Missouri. He loved his grandchildren deeply. If any of his grandkids were participating in a band concerts, swim meets, plays, birthdays, soccer games, volleyball games, graduations they could count on their grandpa to be in the stands proudly cheering them on. His children and grandchildren all knew how much he loved them and how proud he was no matter what path life was taking them down. He had a love for history, airplanes, raising chickens, working with his hands (either building or gardening). Jerry also loved to visit new places in the United States along with the opportunity to travel to other countries including Mexico, Israel, the Caribbean, Scotland, Ireland, England, Honduras and Canada. No matter what state or country, he was willing to share with anyone his testimony of Jesus Christ. The last several years of his life he found a deeper appreciation for nature, enjoying raising chickens, feeding deer and wild turkey in the backyard. While sipping his morning coffee, with wife, Alice, watching birds and a chipmunk out the bedroom window. His life was filled with love of family and friends. He was a kind soul and a gentle man who is gone way too soon and who will never be forgotten for the love he shared and all the lives he touched.
He was preceded in death by his parents June Marie Powell, Hershel Hoover Powell, and brother Roger Lynn Powell.
He is survived by: his wife Alice Powell of the home, his children daughters Heidi Powell Taylor of Independence MO, Heather Powell of Independence MO, Holli Queen and Rocky (husband) of Lee’s Summit MO, Beth Angilan and Dave Shapiro (husband) of Kansas City MO. Son Kyle Crawford and Theresa (wife). Longview, TX.
Siblings: Ginger Vetter of Wheeler MI, Barb Clark and Bill (husband) of Wheeler MI, Douglas Powell and Althea (wife) of Ithaca, MI, Larry Powell and Karen (wife) of Ithaca, MI.
Grandchildren Travis Kerr of Kansas City MO, Tiffany Kerr of Kansas City MO, Kyle Berry of Summerville, SC, Connor Berry of Kansas City MO, Anna Berry of Lee’s Summit MO. Jessica Harville and Brian (husband) Allen, TX and Jennifer Rose and James (husband) Lexington, KY. Along with eight Great Grand Children.
Though his physical presence may be gone, Jerry’s spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Cremation is planned with a celebration of Life on June 8th.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441