John Harlin Powell

John Harlin Powell was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on July 18, 2020, at the age of 38 as a result of injuries sustained in a vehicle accident.

John was born in Osceola, Missouri on July 5, 1982, to Richard and Jan Powell, and he grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. He was a proud Master of Divinity graduate from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY after earning his undergraduate degree at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri.

John served as pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in New Caney, TX, which he planted in 2017. Previously, he was pastor at First Baptist Church in Hamlin, TX, after serving as Director of Admissions at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.

John was extremely grateful for his opportunities in ministry, but he was most proud of his family. John met Katherine (Summers) Powell at Southwest Baptist University, and they married on August 5, 2006. Boundless energy and joy filled the Powell home as John and Katherine raised their four beloved children—Gunner, Bennett, Ada Kate, and Reese.

From a young age, John proved himself to be a natural leader with a magnetic personality and a knack for adventure. He was a marksman who loved the tactical dimensions of the military world. He was a musician who excelled on the piano. He was a master craftsman who learned to build and repair just about anything.

Anyone that knows John knows him as a humble servant who would pour out his life for the sake of others. Whenever someone was in need, John was everyone’s go-to. You could find him fixing a car, moving a family, repairing a broken appliance, or dropping everything to help a friend.

But John was best known for his faithful ministry. He was a steadfast shepherd, a loving pastor, and a committed preacher. His impact on the world will outlive himself through the church he planted, the people he discipled, the missions teams he sent, the friends he loved, and the family he raised.

John is survived by his wife, Katherine, and his four children, Gunner, Bennett, Ada Kate, and Reese of New Caney, TX, parents Rick and Jan Powell of Kansas City, Missouri, in-laws Don and Nancy Summers of Unionville, Missouri, sister Hannah (Powell) Badgett of Tulsa, OK, and grandparents Richard Powell of Osceola, Missouri, and Glenn and Judy Harlin of Lubbock, TX, as well as many cousins, extended relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by Charline Powell of Osceola, Missouri.

John died exactly how he lived—sacrificing himself for the sake of others, just like Jesus called us to do. John is a hero whose loss will be felt by his family, his friends, and his church.

Visitation was on Thursday, July 23, 2020, at Rosewood Funeral Home in Porter, TX. Funeral services were held on Friday, July 24, 2020 at Northeast Houston Baptist Church in Humble, TX with a private graveside service at Unionville cemetery in Unionville, Missouri, on Sunday, July 26.  Playle & Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville is in charge of local arrangements.