Richard Carl Powell

Richard Carl (Dick) Powell, 74, Rigby, returned home to his Father in Heaven on Friday, March 24, 2006 after an extended illness. He was at his home at the time of his passing. He was born at Pomeroy, Garfield, Washington, June 13, 1931. He was the second of three sons born to Robert Carl Powell and Edna Louise Light Powell. He attended schools in Oregon and Washington, living two years with his Grandfather and Grandmother Powell in Pomeroy, Washington. He graduated from Eugene, Oregon High School in 1949. In high school he played the flute in the band and pitched baseball on the baseball team. He enjoyed skiing trips with his brother Bob, and loved fishing with the family at Paulina Lake Oregon where they spent many happy hours. After graduation he worked with his father in the grocery business at LaPine, Oregon. He made the biggest and the best burgers at the Paul Bunyan Stand. Dick joined the United States Navy in August of 1950 and proudly served in the Korean War. He trained in San Diego and was squad leader as they went to Memphis, Tennessee, where he finished his training in electronics. While stationed at Quonset Point, Rhode Island, he flew with the Naval Air Force as an Aviation Ordinance Third Class. His plane was ditched in the Philly Sea in October 1953. All were rescued but the co-pilot to whom Dick was very close. Later he was based in Iceland and flew night patrols over and around Korea. Dick always loved the ocean. After his honorary discharge from the service he lived in Massachusetts where he constructed his own home. He felt that one of the greatest compliments he received from the islanders was that he was a “fair to mediocre fisherman.” At the Bass Tournament he received the trophy for the largest striped bass. He held the first Latter Day Saint services on Martha’s Vineyard, from which has grown a small ward. While living in Massachusetts his two sons, Theodore and James were born. In 1976 he returned west with the assistance of his brother David. As they drove across the country they renewed a very close bond. In May of 1978, while attending the LDS Temple in Idaho Falls, he met Rosa Eileen Kauer and fell madly in love with her. They were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on October 20, 1978. Throughout their married life, Dick spoiled his wife continuously. Some of his happiest times were sitting with his wife on their patio watching their garden and plants grow. He always shared garden produce and was known for raising the earliest and sweetest cabbage. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints holding the office of High Priest. He served as Cub Scout Leader, Gospel Doctrine Teacher, Ward Executive Secretary, Sunday School Teacher and Ward and Stake Employment Specialist. From 2002 through 2005 he served with his wife, Rosa, as a service missionary at the Idaho Falls Family History Center, which they loved very much. He is survived by his loving wife, Rosa K. Powell of Rigby; two sons, Theodore Richard (Susan) Powell of Canton, Massachusetts, and James Richard Powell of West Tisbury, Massachusetts; two grandchildren, Shannon Elizabeth Powell of West Tisbury, Massachusetts, and Kevin H. (Sarah) Powell serving in the military in Korea, and a great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Susan Powell; two brothers, Robert H. (Nan) Powell of Renton, Washington, David L. (Goria) Powell of Darlington, Idaho; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Carl and Edna Louise Powell. Funeral services will be Tuesday, March 28, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the new Garfield Fourth Ward Building, off County Line Road, with Bishop William Follett presiding. The family will visit with friends at the Garfield building from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Tuesday before services. Burial will be in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery under the direction of Eckersell Funeral Home in Rigby. Military rites will be performed by the Jefferson Veterans Team. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the LDS Missionary or Humanitarian Aid Funds. Special thanks to Dr. Wallace Baker and his staff for their love, compassion and care for Richard.