Jesse Lewis Powell

Jesse Powell, 91, formerly of Unionville, Missouri, passed away at Life Care in Collegedale, Tennessee, on Saturday, June 20, 2020.

Jesse Lewis Powell was born in Putnam County, Missouri, on June 24, 1928, the son of Leslie Lewis and Grace (Schultz) Powell, who preceded him in death.  He graduated from Unionville High School in 1945.  He taught in Putnam County, Missouri, rural schools from 1945-1950, until he entered the United States Army in December of 1950, serving until December of 1952.  Jesse then attended Northeast State Teachers College (now Truman University).  He earned a BS in Elementary Education in 1955 and a MA in Administration in 1958.  He also attended the University of Iowa for further graduate work.  Jesse married Nola Carter in Unionville, Missouri, on December 25, 1955, and she preceded him in death on March 2, 1991.

Jesse began a long time association with the Burlington, Iowa, Public School system in 1955.  He served as an elementary teacher and later principal in the elementary and special needs department until retiring in 1994.  Jesse devoted many, many hours to community service while living in Burlington.  He was a member of the Lions Club, the American Legion, PTO, and the Methodist church, serving in leadership positions in many of those organizations.

Jesse married Roberta Boone Ewing on July 14, 2001, and they moved to Unionville, Missouri.  Roberta passed away February 23, 2017, and Jesse soon moved to Tennessee to be near family.  Jesse enjoyed traveling, coin collecting, and genealogy.  He was also an avid reader of western novels.  Jesse was a quiet, well thought-out man, who was loyal to his family, friends, community, and Lord.

Jesse Powell is survived by his three sons: Richard (Nancy) Powell of Apison, TN, Randal (Rosemary) Powell of Chattanooga, TN, and Father Raymond Powell of Lenoir City, TN.  His five grandchildren are Dr. Matthew (Jaime) Powell, Kristen (Patrick) McClanahan, Kara (Greg) Underwood, Cody Powell, and Caleb Powell.  Jesse’s four great grandchildren are Carson and Emily Powell and Gracie and N. Chance Underwood.  He is also survived by a brother, Robert (Jean) Powell of Chesterfield, MO, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition, Jesse is survived by step-children June (Castor) Armesto of Poplar Grove, Illinois, and Janet (Jim) Krambeer of Elgin, Illinois, as well as 4 step-grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Others who preceded Jesse in death are three sisters, Rowena Haas, Geneva Robinson, and Mary Roof; and a brother, Virgil Powell.

Funeral services for Jesse Powell will be at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville at 11:00 Saturday, June 27, 2020, with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be at the Lucerne Cemetery, Lucerne, Missouri.

Memorials are suggested to the Unionville Lions Club and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO  63565.