Michael Gene Powell

Michael Gene Powell was born in Houston, Missouri to Norman Powell and Laura Marie (Sullivan) Powell on October 13, 1954.  On February 28, 2022, Mike was welcomed into heaven by his Lord and Savior and al l his family and friends who have preceded him.

Mike grew up on a farm in Hartshorn, Missouri with his brothers and sisters. He was a graduate of the Summersville High School class of 1972. Mike was united in marriage to Joyce Smith on August 10, 1974, and they were blessed with two children: Alison and Megan. Mike was devoted to his hometown. Throughout the years, he taught youth groups at church and was a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Mike came to know Jesus as his personal Savior at a young age and was a devoted Christian.  He attended Valley Center Baptist Church for many years and became an active member in the Summersville First Baptist Church, as well, working with the youth as a Sunday School Teacher and RA Leader.  Upon moving to Huntsville, he became an active member and Deacon of the First Baptist Church.

In 1986 Mike and Joyce made the decision to move from the only home they had ever known. Along with his brother Dewayne and his family, they moved to North Missouri to join their Uncle Elmer in his logging business. Mike and Joyce made their home in Huntsville, where they raised Alison and Megan. Their family was active in the Huntsville Community. They spent many hours attending school functions and community activities, with Mike serving on the Westran School Board. Along with enjoying activities his girls participated in, he was always on the sidelines cheering on his nephew Jared and niece Lindsey, who were very special to him.

Mike loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed being outdoors hunting and fishing.  He taught his girls, grandsons, and several nephews how to hunt and fish.  His greatest joy in life was his grandchildren. Mike traveled thousands of miles to watch his grandsons, Dylan and Logan, play baseball and football. Grandsons Ty and Cooper kept him entertained with their stories of riding horses, and he enjoyed watching them learn and play on the ranch. Chloe and Cassidy discussed their future plans with him and valued his advice. Mike and Joyce also enjoyed traveling around the United States. They particularly liked the southern states, but also traveled west and to the East Coast.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Laura Marie; his father and mother-in-law Carl and June Smith; his infant daughter Charity Danielle Powell; his sisters Dorlinda Heiney and Sharon Cook; brothers-in-law Leonard Newby, Jake Gross, William (Bill) Smith, Lynn Smith, Paul Smith, and Jim Brashers; his sisters-in-law Connie Smith and Judy Smith; and his nephews Jonathan (Butch) Smith and Harold (Hank) Smith.

Mike is survived by his wife, Joyce of Huntsville, Missouri; daughters Alison MacKay and husband David of Blue Springs, Missouri and Megan James and husband Chad of Eureka, Kansas; and grandchildren Dylan and Logan MacKay and Chloe, Cassidy, Ty, and Cooper James.  He is also survived by siblings Larry Powell and wife Pam of Summersville, Missouri; Brenda Newby of Yukon, Missouri; Dewayne Powell of Huntsville, Missouri; and Janet Gross of Hartshorn, Missouri.  Also left to mourn his passing are brothers-in-law Roy Smith and wife Glenda; Ronnie Smith, Doyle Heiney, and Bernie Cook; sisters-in-law Judy Brashers, Janet Barnes and husband Thurlow, Dena Smith and Marlene Smith; nephew Jared Powell and wife Laura; and niece Lindsey Land and husband Adam; along with many other nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Mike was a kind man who was passionate about spreading the word of Jesus. His children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews would also say he had a firm hand, loved them hard, and taught them well. Mike will be missed every day by his family and friends whose lives he touched in ways they will never forget.