Gene Powers

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Gene Powers, age 95, passed away peacefully from natural causes March 5, 2021 at a hospital in Springfield, Mo., with his family by his side.

Born Grover Eugene Powers on June 13, 1925 in Joplin, Mo., to the late Grover and Lena (Johnston) Powers. Gene served in the United States Army during WWII. He was a part of the Combat Engineers. 

On January 16, 1946, Gene was united in marriage to the love of his life, Pauline Hoke. Together they had five children. Gene was a family man. He was patient and kind. He would break out in song and sing gospel music to his children. He was proud of his children and loved being grandpa to his eight grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Gene was a founding member of Reinmiller Baptist Church where he also served as a deacon and elder. He loved his church. Gene loved working with his hands. He enjoyed gardening, bowling, and golfing. He was a “fix it all” man. He was very resourceful and would help anyone who needed it. He will be missed by all who were blessed to know him.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, wife Pauline Powers, brothers Kenneth Powers, Cecil Powers, Bob Powers, Bud Powers, sister Evelyn Ramsour, and son-in-law Steve Franklin. He is survived by his children; Paula Franklin of Webb City, Mo., Marilyn O’Banion and husband Harold of Springfield, Mo., Beverly Jestes and husband Bob of Springfield, Mo., Tim Powers and wife Cindy of Diamond, Mo., and Carla Powers of Boynton Beach, Fl., grandchildren Lacey Carmer (Chris), Aubrey Bradley (Mike), Skyler Powers (Megan) Dezarae Scacewater (Todd), Ashley Jestes, Tyler O’Banion (Hilary), Stephanie Franklin, and Heather Franklin, 14 great grandchildren with one on the way, one sister Joan Ogden of Carthage, Mo., and sisters-in-law, Lorene Powers and Cynthia Powers, and many others cousins and extended family members.

Funeral services have been planned for 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 11, 2021 at Mason-Woodard Chapel in Joplin, Mo. Burial will follow at Saginaw Cemetery in Saginaw, Mo.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory.