Obituary of John Robert Powell

John R. Powell surveyed his hospital room and, noting that he was surrounded by his family, declared that it was a happy day for him. He died four days later. The comment, made while suffering the effects of a stroke that included broken bones and vision loss, says much about the man who died September 2 at age 83 in St. Maries. John was fully aware of what he faced but was happy with life because his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were with him. John was born September 2, 1931 in Bossburg Washington to John Raymond Powell and Helen Faye Burnside Powell. He graduated from Marcus high school in 1950. His high school basketball team, of which he was captain, won the Washington basketball championship in 1950. Following graduation John served with the U.S. Army in Korea. He rarely talked about his military service but did once briefly mention that his unit suffered heavy casualties during the war. It was only recently that his family learned he carried shrapnel in his leg from the war; shrapnel that had to be removed surgically days before his death. John wasted little time after returning home from the war. He was introduced to Marjorie Bolser by his brother and her sister, who were married. Not one to waste time John quickly convinced Marjorie that the best thing she could do was elope with him. It turns out he was right. The couple was married July 8, 1954 in Coeur d'Alene and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year. John attended what is now Eastern Washington University before going to work full time to support his family. Early in his career John worked in construction industry and the timber industry. With an eye on opportunity, John moved his young family several times to take advantage of job opportunities. The family lived in California, Colorado, Oregon and Idaho. In 1964 John accepted a job in St. Maries. He worked at the St. Maries mill for a few years before accepting a job in Colorado. After moving his family several times to accept promotions, the couple decided they wanted to return to St. Maries, which they did in 1969, when John accepted a job as a foreman in the St. Maries plywood mill. He worked there until 1985 when he started working for Jack Buell Trucking. He retired as a truck driver in 1991. John and Marge traveled extensively following their retirement and owned a home in Arizona for several years. John was an avid out doorsman, with a special passion for elk hunting. He was a marksman and to ensure he remained so, he shot competitively and claimed several trophies for his efforts. The couple also enjoyed golf and following their retirement bought a residence in Arizona so they could enjoy the sport year round. In addition to his wife, John is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Dan and Cindy Hammes and his sons and daughters-in-law John and Sabrina Powell of St. Maries and Keith and Debby Powell of Fernwood. He is also survived by his grandchildren Brandi Riemann, Corey Powell, Devon Barta, Jamie Sloper, Robbi Powell and Brett Powell and his great-grandchildren Jaidyn Reynolds, Kyrra Powell, Glover Buell, Kylee Powell, Ashlyn Reynolds, Danika Sloper, Brock Barta, Jack Barta, Xavier Sloper, Kadence Powell, Joey Barta and Brooklyn Powell. He is a also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Arnold and Linda Van Cleve and his sister Roxanne Anglin all of Coeur d'Alene. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Kenneth Powell and Les Salsman. Funeral services were September 5 in St. Maries with interment at Woodlawn Cemetery. Hodge Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements with Luke Rose officiating. Read John Powell's Obituary and Guestbook on www.hodgefuneralhome.com.